BALTI SPORTS 3

WAREHAM RANGERS 1

BALTI Sports continued their extraordinary run of form with a comfortable 3-1 win over Wareham Rangers in their Dorset Premier League tussle at Weymouth College.

Victory extends Sports’ unbeaten streak to 11 games and was their second win over the Purbeck side in a week, having knocked them out of the Dorset Senior Trophy with a 4-1 triumph last time out.

Balti’s latest success was built around strong performances on either wing and it came as no surprise when the Weymouth-based side gained the lead after a flowing move on the left.

Left-back Liam Taylor combined well with Sammy Nichols and the resulting delivery was swept home by forward Carl McClements.

Balti had a second before half-time through a well-worked attack on the right.

Ross Walker and debutant Ash Smith were involved and the former Portland United right-back delivered a teasing cross that Ethan Devaney prodded home at the near post.

Danny Andrews, who had missed a couple of chances, then established a 3-0 lead when another cross from the left found the striker unmarked and obliging to fire home into the bottom left.

Wareham made use of space on their left flank to register a consolation when Jamie Rowley’s 18-yard header looped over retreating goalkeeper Andy Nott.

Speaking to Echosport following the result, boss Marco Nott praised his wingers for their excellent display.

He said: “They did really well. We’ve got natural wingers in wide areas. With Ash he gives us that real balance on the right. That was our main strength down the wings.

“Sammy on the left is naturally a winger so we’ve got a left-footed left-back and a right-footed right-back. We put in a few good crosses and missed quite a few chances.”

Nott also heralded his side’s ability to win a match he felt might have been drawn given Sports’ form at the beginning of the season.

He said: “About 70 minutes on we were delighted. It was tough conditions with the wind, but we passed the ball well especially in the first half when we were against the wind.

“Ash was outstanding on the right. He set one up and could’ve set three or four up if we took our chances, but I was happy with the result – it was just a case of getting it.

“A couple of months ago we were drawing these games.”

Balti next visit Sherborne Town Reserves in league action tomorrow (8pm).

Balti: A Nott, R Walker, Roberts, Burton, L Taylor, Smith, Dovell, Devaney (Grant 75), Nichols (Hickman 80), McClements, Andrews (Staurians 65). Subs not used: M Nott, Anderson