Match report: Brockenhurst beat Sherborne 2-1 in the Wessex League Premier Division after red cards for both sides

Brockenhurst came out on top 2-1 in a feisty Wessex League Premier Division win over Sherborne Town on Saturday.

In a scrappy and disjointed match that saw chances at a premium, Lyle Simpson broke the deadlock before Dylan Walker sealed the win in the 88th minute.

By the time Sherborne Town equalised, both teams had gone down to 10 players. First, Brockenhurst’s Rhys Taylor walked after an alleged elbow before a cynical challenge ended Josh Williams’ afternoon.

Sherborne had the game’s first chance of note after winning a free-kick after 15 minutes. Dec Cornish struck the ball perfectly, and keeper Jordi Valero looked well-beaten as the ball struck the crossbar.

The Badgers strung together a lovely move and took the lead after 22 minutes. Jake Adams found space on the right wing before delivering an expert cross into Simpson, who crashed the ball home, beating the keeper at the near post.

With 40 minutes played, Sherborne burst forward in numbers, with Ben Wood dashing down the touchline. Brock’s Taylor stepped across his man, but referee Tom Baines felt he had seen an elbow to the face, and Taylor walked.

Brockenhurst started the second half looking to counter-attack, and they looked to be away when Walker was fouled out on the halfway line, and Baines issued a second red card to level the playing field.

Despite the teams being level, Sherborne Town began to create more chances, and they equalised just after the hour mark. A free-kick deep into the area was nodded back into the danger area for Alex Murphy, who scored with his first touch.

The goal woke the Badgers up, and they began taking control, but it looked like they were running out of time.

With three minutes left, Adams won a free-kick out on the left. His silky delivery found the head of Walker, who darted towards the near post and headed home to seal the win.

Brockenhurst takes on local rivals Christchurch away from home on Saturday at 3pm.

Brockenhurst: J. Valero, J. Tornianen, R. Drake, R. Taylor, T. Wellman, C. Burns, D. Walker, L. Gray, L. Simpson, J. Adams, T. Moreno. Subs: F. Lawton, A. Batista, D. Neagu, J. Francis, J. Taylor.