Robbie’s treble fires Sports into final (From This is Hampshire)

Robbie’s treble fires Sports into final

8:57am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS 3 Upwey & Broadwey 1

A SUPERB hat-trick from Robbie Rolls saw Weymouth Sports into the final of the Dorset Senior Trophy at the expense of neighbours Upwey & Broadwey.

The predatory striker was in fine form as Sports laid to rest the ghost of last season’s semi-final heartache at the hands of Bridport Reserves – who, ironically, Steve Alcock’s men will now face in this year’s showpiece.

Sports were good value for their win on home soil while Upwey failed to reach second gear, with an injury-time penalty from half-time sub Chris Wyatt proving their only consolation.

Victorious player-manager Alcock was understandably delighted come the final whistle.

He said: “At half-time we were pleased to be 1-0 up, even though it could have been three or four. We bossed it to be fair and I think Steve Reynolds would say the same.

“Upwey turned up but not in the way I thought they would. Credit to my lads though, we stepped up and got in their faces.

“We’re delighted to be in the final, especially after last year, and it’s a great shot in the arm for us.

“We could have had six or seven had we been a bit more ruthless and we would have liked to have kept a clean sheet but I’m really happy with the win.

“The lads up front have been a little bit quiet in recent weeks, so it’s nice to see them find their range. Hopefully we’re that bit closer to being back to our best.”

Upwey boss Steve Reynolds was gracious in defeat and hopes to see Sports go on and win the competition.

He said: “We weren’t at the races. Sports were more organised than we were and they had more desire than we did. The lads seemed quiet in the changing room before the game, so perhaps one or two nerves got through.

“Our goal had a charmed life in the first half and Clint Coltart was the difference between them being 1-0 up as opposed to two or three.

“We didn’t really test their keeper and got what we deserved. I hope Sports go on and win it.

“We’ve got to lift ourselves now because we don’t want to let that ruin our season.”

It was the visitors who created the first shooting opportunities at Weymouth College but Danny Aplin and Jason Pearce failed to get enough power behind their efforts.

At the other end, Stuart Dixon somehow found the legs of keeper Clint Coltart with the goal at his mercy before Paul Cole was also denied by the Upwey stopper.

Sam Pattison headed against the crossbar as the home side’s charge gathered pace while Rolls was unable to convert from close-range on the half-hour – Coltart again coming to Upwey’s rescue.

Sports finally broke the deadlock just three minutes later. Cole fed Rolls and the latter cut inside before expertly finding the far corner with a measured shot.

Upwey lost Aplin to a serious knee injury just before the break and they found themselves 2-0 down three minutes into the second half.

Justin Crawford brought down Andy Cleal in the box and Rolls narrowly beat Coltart from the resulting penalty.

The win was made certain in the 61st minute as Rolls capped a fine afternoon with an excellent volley from 20 yards.

Sports could, and should, have added to their tally but the final action saw Wyatt beat brother Tony from the spot after Crawford was pushed.

Sports: T Wyatt, Wallis, Thoday, Pattison, Alcock, Nicholson (Lane 60), MacConnachie, Cleal, Cole (Austin 84), Rolls (Hicks 77), Dixon. Subs not used: De La Planque, Green.

Upwey: Coltart, Porteous, Anderson, McLucas, Crawford, Jarvis, Frost, Zima (C Wyatt 46), Pearce, Aplin (Young 44), Samways. Sub not used: Coombes.