MILBORNE PORT 3

BEAMINSTER 2

BEAMINSTER’S winning run was abruptly halted as Milborne Port claimed a 3-2 victory in an increasingly tight Dorset League Division One.

Just three points separate five teams at the top of the division, Maiden Newton & Cattistock currently leading with Portland Panthers in fifth.

Beaminster, who sit fourth on goal difference, started well and the early pressure was rewarded when Robin Jones fired in a 35-yard free-kick into the top corner.

Beaminster were then hampered by an injury to Noah House and a disruption to their passing style.

READ MORE: Parley 1-2 Beaminster - report

Milborne Port equalised five minutes before half-time as Grady Crittall pounced following a defensive error and matters were made worse when Paul Hill clashed heads with an opponent on the half-time whistle and was taken to hospital.

Russell Legg was unable to find the back of the net from Jones’ cute free-kick early in the second half and Port then dominated the next portion of the match.

Substitute Harry Vandervell did the damage with both goals, while Beaminster lost Dean Hyett and Jake Rowland to injury.

Beaminster dug deep and responded when Isaac House shot narrowly wide from outside the area and also had a handball appeal on the line waved away.

Legg did convert the Rainbows’ next chance from close range, assisted by Jones, but Beaminster had to settle for defeat.

Rainbows’ manager Murray Legg said: “One of those days for us unfortunately. We couldn’t find our rhythm, not helped by the four injuries.

“We were flat. After winning our last three games I was surprised by the performance.

“It shows how far we have come recently though, we could have sneaked a point from our late rally even after putting in our worst performance of the campaign so far.

“We need to pick ourselves up, see who we have available and go again against a strong Parley team on Saturday. Having played them a week ago we know this will be a difficult match.

“I hope there is a reaction from the players.”

OCD Cleaning Services Beaminster man of the match: Robin Jones.