Dorchester Town under 16 team have been special says boss Basford

By Adam Summers Sports Reporter Western Gazette 1^st June 2006

Several of the successful Dorchester Town youth under 16 side who captured the Bankes Charity Cup, thanks to a 2-0 win over Gillingham Town are being tipped for bright futures.

Magpies’ boss Phil Basford said: “the final was my last game in charge of the under-16 because next season I will be working alongside Trevor Senior with the new under 18 team. Eight or nine of the under-16’s will, I hope, make the step with me and everything is looking very encouraging for the future.”

“The under-16’s have proved this season that they are one of the best team in the county at this level and it is a shame that they will now break up but that is life and things move on. They have definitely been something special and I would like to thank our sponsors Adam Newsagents who have helped support them.”

Dorchester were unfortunate not to take the lead in the first minute against the Gills at the County Ground, Hamworthy, Martyn Rice’s cross was turned into the net by a Gillingham defender but a debatable offside decision by one of the referee’s assistants ruled out the effort.

Despite that disappointment, the Magpies continued to press forward and finally took the lead with a stunning free-kick by Dan Jones on 20 minutes, the ball flying into the top-right corner from 30 yards.

The Gills, who saw Ben Thompson and Scott Waterman, have shots saved by John Steele, continued to battle hard but their keeper Paul Waterman was beaten again on 75 minutes when Toni Musumeci’s effort flew in at the near post and wrapped up the result.

Basford said:” It was a good 2-0 win. We should have taken the lead in the first minute but for some reason their lads own goal was ruled out for offside. After that we continued to look the better side and Dan’s (Jones) goal was an absolute stunner.”

“Their keeper played well but 30minutes into the second half Toni played a couple of one-twos with Rice’s before squeezing in a shot at the near post.”

“That finished the game really. Toni has scored 16 goals this season and he is very talented lad. I am hoping he will go on and play for the senior sides and the under 18’s next season.”

Gillingham coach Alan Wells said:” Dorchester are a very strong side. They have got a massive catchments area whereas we are only a small-town club but it was not a walkover by any means and we certainly gave them a run for their money.

It could have been anyone’s game. We had more shots on target than they did but their keeper had a good game.

“There were 100 supporters from Gillingham at the game and things are looking positive for the future. Three of our players already turning out for the clubs senior sides and the majority of the lads will go on to play for the under-18s next season.”