Poor start leaves Dinno with too much to do

The visitors were forced into a change as Jon Roper’s unavailability gave Martin Wade a starting place.

Club captain Andy Sykes returned to the bench after missing four games.

The game started at a high tempo, with intricate passing by both teams.

On eight minutes Bottesford had the first attempt on goal, Carl La Rocca driving over the bar.

Then Andy Taylor saved the day with a headed clearance from a corner on 11 minutes when the home team looked to take the lead.

But six minutes later Town failed to hold onto possession, Bottesford broke forward and an excellent effort by Scott Wilby went over Luke Hands into the far corner of the net for 1-0.

Disaster struck in the final minutes of the half, as Town came under pressure on the right and Greg Andrews powered a low shot in off the post to extend the hosts’ lead. Before the interval it got worse for Steve Toyne’s men, Mark La Rocca running through the defence to score low past Hands.

In the second half Town attempted a fightback, Danny McKenzie winning the ball in midfield before beating two defenders and poking the ball into the net to give the visitors some hope.

Hands made a double save to thwart Bottesford with eight minutes remaining, first stopping Wilby who was clean through, then tipping Lee Bogner’s header over the bar.

The stopper did well again in the final minute to save a point blank shot.

Bottesford: Zane, Martin, Rates, Champion, Carl La Rocca, Ellerby, Andrews, Hutchison, Bogner, Mark La Rocca, Wilby.

Dinnington Town: Hands, Fairweather, Beech, Ramsden, Taylor, Tinsley, Wade, Kay, Reet, Cartledge, McKenzie.

The Phoenix Park side are set for a home double header next week, hosting AFC Emley on Saturday and Albion Sports on Tuesday night.