By Avril Lancaster.

THE new year started for Shaftesbury Town with a trip to Sussex to face Pagham in the Wessex League after their scheduled match with Bemerton Heath Harlequins was postponed.
Oscar Johnston opened the scoring for Pagham in the 24th minute, curving the ball past Harrison Bruton to give the strugglers the lead. Pagham had hit the crossbar with a thunderous effort previously.
Ash Pope levelled with a free-kick in the 39th minute before Pagham scored twice in a three-minute spell past the hour. Aiden Davidson bundled the ball in the 61st minute before Johnston hit another fine effort into the top corner two minutes later.
The Rockies rallied in the last 20 minutes and had chances before Pope finished a fine move in the fourth minute of injury time.
Shaftesbury went out of the Dorset Senior Cup semi-final putting up a good show against Poole Town the following Tuesday.
Ash Pope put Shaftesbury ahead and Tyler Forbes made it 2-0 before the break. Poole got one back through a Cam Beard own goal, before Tony Lee ‘s header and an injury time goal from Will Fletcher sent the Dolphins to the final to face Weymouth.

Ash Pope and Ryan Cluett defend at Pagham in the Wessex League.  Photos: Avril Lancaster

WINCANTON U16s football team, managed by Sean Corney for the past six years, are looking for sponsors.
It is hoped the players will form the backbone of a new U18s team, which will be the first time in many years the club have run an under 18s squad.
The team are appealing for sponsors to help provide a home and away kit for the first time, plus a team tracksuit.
Equipment, insurance and running costs also need to be met for the team to continue to provide grassroots football locally.
For more information, email Sean Corney at seanrcorney@gmail.com