As ever, the Ridgeway Derby was no let down, four goals, a sending off, a last-minute wonder goal and a penalty shoot-out made for a very entertaining clash between Weymouth and Dorchester in the Dorset Senior Cup.

Yet ahead of a busy Christmas period, what should fans take away from such a clash?

Aidan Williams is on hand to reflect and run through the main talking points from the derby duel.

MOLESLEY NOT A GOOD OMEN FOR MAGPIES

When Antonio Diaz slotted in after seven minutes, it was the first time as manager that Mark Molesley has been behind in a derby against Dorchester.

It seemed the Terras' boss' unbeaten streak in the derby would come to an end for vast swathes of the contest but sure enough his side ended up winning.

For Weymouth, it must be very encouraging to see such an important rivalry seemingly so dialled in by their manager, but the Magpies cannot be looking forward to Weymouth's Boxing Day trip to the Clayson Stadium.

DORCHESTER'S RECURRING BULLET

Dorchester have suffered seven sendings off so far this season and it's a problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

The red card, which was harsh, will now see Ben Seymour miss three games for the Magpies, which given his great form (seven goals in eight games) is a blemish very out of kilter with his start at Dorchester so far.

CUP TOILS COULD SPELL TROUBLE

Weymouth's squad is not the largest, yet when you can go top of the table due to games in hand then it is one clearly fit for purpose.

However, the extra time and minutes will not have been what they would have wanted and it's a recurring theme.

It was the fourth occasion so far this season that the Terras have needed more than the normal 90 minutes in a cup contest, with the other three leading to replays.

Only one of those three replays were lost, so the criticism must be muted somewhat, but the extra minutes on a thin squad will soon add up.

MAGPIES NOT SO MALIGNED

Until Jordan Ngalo's stunning strike in the 90th minute it looked like Dorchester were to take a deserved derby win.

They attacked from the off and put in a great performance despite the league position difference between the two.

Even after going down to 10 men in the 35th minute, Dorchester still held firm.

They might be at the bottom end of the table, but the Magpies can mix it with the best.

THOMAS AN ACE UP WEYMOUTH'S SLEEVE

Lloyd Thomas deserves credit for his two shoot-out saves, and his demeanour after the match made it clear it was no fluke.

I've heard praise from fans of other clubs before for Weymouth maintaining two solid goalkeepers who can switch at no detriment to the squad, and Thomas dealt with it superbly when thrown into a first derby clash.

The Christmas period is going to be draining and when you are fighting at the top of the table every point is vital, but Weymouth have two very safe pairs of hands.