Dorchester Town through to the cup final after penalty win

Dorchester Town player hugging another player. — Dorchester Town player. Photo credit: Lauren Kelly

Last night at the Avenue Stadium, Dorchester Town took on Portland United in the Dorset Senior Cup semi-final.

The game was scheduled to take place at Portland’s Camp and Satherley Stadium, but the venue was reversed due to pitch conditions following an inspection earlier yesterday.

Dorchester Town made eight changes from their 2-1 defeat against Havant and Waterlooville on the weekend, whereas the visitors made 5 changes from their 4-0 win in their last outing against Petersfield Town.

The Magpies worked hard for the opener, and the breakthrough finally arrived in the 38^th minute when Matt Buse fired the hosts in front with a long-range strike into the bottom corner of the net.

However, cup football rarely follows a comfortable script. Portland emerged with a greater intensity after the break, and their hard work was rewarded with the equaliser in the 78^th minute after Dorchester goalkeeper Lucas Phillips spilt a shot and allowed the ball to be bundled over the line by Ben Morris.

The hosts pushed hard to restore their lead and were rewarded with a penalty in the 83^rd minute after a foul in the box. Portland’s Harry Foden was the saviour as he kept Daws’ penalty out and kept the score at 1-1.

Neither side was able to find a winner, which forced the game into penalties.

What followed was a test of nerves as both sides began the penalty shoot-out. Dorchester held their composure when it mattered the most, edging the penalties out 5-4 after Phillips saved Portland’s second penalty and James Coat scored the decisive goal, sparking celebrations amongst players.

It was not a night for perfection, but it was one for resilience. Dorchester showed patience, character and calm under pressure. For Portland, there was a sense of pride to be acknowledged in pushing their higher-ranked opponents all the way to penalties.

Dorchester Town now progresses into the final of the Dorset Senior Cup. The Magpies will face Weymouth FC in the final. The Terras secured their spot with a 5-1 win over Sherborne Town. The date of the final is yet to be announced.