AFC BLANDFORD 3

CHICKERELL UNITED 4

DYLAN Ellis scored a hat-trick and Matt Stickland claimed a goal as Chickerell United beat Blandford 4-3 in the Dorset Senior League.

Stickland was forced off injured as a result of colliding with the goalkeeper while he scored and Ellis claimed a superb treble as the Chickens moved up to second in the table, level on points with leaders Tisbury United.

After three minutes, Chickerell took the lead as a good pass from the right across to the left released Ellis behind the defence and he opened up and slotted into the bottom right corner.

The Chickens then quickly had another three chances – Stickland saw an effort saved before Nick Voss chipped an effort into the Blandford goalkeeper’s hands while Stickland saw another effort put on to the post.

Blandford then got a wonderful equaliser when a 20-yard effort was powered into the top right-hand corner and past Ian Bickerstaff in the Chickerell goal after 20 minutes.

Chickerell were well on top however, and they got the lead when Stickland collided with the goalkeeper but just prior managed to nudge the ball into the net.

Stickland was then substituted and Ellis moved up front to devastating effect.

Ellis got his second after 55 minutes, with a great run in behind the Blandford defence to round the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the goal.

A 20-yard free-kick was then rifled into the net for Blandford to narrow the gap once more to make it 3-2 after 65 minutes.

Voss then hit an effort over the bar for the visitors before Ellis sealed the win effectively after 70 minutes and claimed his hat-trick.

The ending stages were made nervous for the Chickens when Blandford got on the end of a long ball and fired in after 80 minutes but Chickerell held on for the victory.

Speaking to Echosport, a delighted Chickerell manager Shaun Murphy said: “I am very happy with his (Ellis) personal performance and the whole team performance.

“Right from the warm-up they were hungry on Saturday they were up for it.

“To be fair, 4-3 I don’t think is a fair reflection of the game.

“It could have been 6-1, 6-2.

“We created so many chances it was good.

“It was an absolute joy and a pleasure to watch.”

Chickerell host Beaminster on Saturday (3pm).

Chickerell: Bickerstaff, Coles, Cracknell, Rogers, Heath (James 75), McCarthy, Welch, Harvey, Ellis, Voss, Stickland (Sandeman 30)

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: aidan.williams

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchosportAidan