BALTI SPORTS 2

STURMINSTER NEWTON 1

BALTI Boss Marco Nott was happy to see his side triumph ahead of their Christmas party on Saturday and cement their spot as the Dorset Premier League’s Christmas number one.

Sports secured their 15th win in 19 league games so far this season with a 2-1 triumph over Sturminster Newton, to keep a six-point gap ahead of second-placed Holt United.

The home side’s opener came when Josh Houghton was fouled in the box and Ricky Lane stepped up to fire the resulting penalty into the top corner on 20 minutes.

Balti then started to settle and they got their second on the half-hour mark.

Sean Zima, who was asked to adopt an unfamiliar role in the middle of midfield, cut in from 25 yards and hit an unstoppable strike which found the net for 2-0.

And, while Newton netted 10 minutes from time, it was not to matter as Balti held firm in the latter stages to seal the victory.

On the clash itself, Nott told Echosport: “It was a tough game and a cagey game, to be honest, we couldn’t really get much going.”

He added: “To be top at Christmas is a really good effort from our lads. People forget it’s only our second year in this league and there are some good teams with Holt, Swanage and Dorchester Sports.

“We have a much bigger squad this year and everyone has played a big part.

“This year is definitely the year where we have got the squad certainly to push on and try and go for the league if we can. We have built up some good confidence going into the New Year.

“We have actually come across some hard fixtures so far. It’s been a tricky start but it’s been unbelievable. I never thought we would do as well as we have done.”

Asked who he feels the main rivals in the league are, Nott replied: “Holt are a tough side to play against and Swanage are probably the best team we have played this season. Those two are looking like the ones that are going to be up there.

“Merley Cobham and Ham Rec are experienced teams in the DPL, Dorchester Sports are doing really well in their first season in it too, which is really good to see. Ash (James) is a good friend of mine.”

Balti: A Nott, Taylor, Anderson, Proffitt, Pearce, Devaney, McClements, Zima, Lock, Houghton (Andrews), Lane (Roberts). Sub not used: M Nott