BOSS Brad Asagba criticised Mere Town’s pitch after Blandford United had battled to a 2-1 win at the Recreation Ground.

A first-half goal from Mark Ford and a late Ashley Ayley penalty gave the visitors three Dorset Premier League points.

And although delighted with the victory, Asagba was less than complimentary about the state of the playing surface.

He told the Daily Echo: "It wasn't our best performance in terms of quality or organisation but I would put that down to the conditions.

"The pitch up at Mere is awful and if Portland struggled to play on it, it's no wonder we did.

"Even though it wasn't wet I would go as far as to say it was unplayable and it wasn’t until we got the team in at half-time that we came to terms with it."

Blandford were without several first team players including Craig Michie but Bradley Pike and Henry Akinsuyi returned to the fold.

Ford put Blandford in front shortly before the break but following the resumption, Jordan Collins equalised.

Akinsuyi was brought on in place of the injured Ryan Reeves and Blandford then began to find their rhythm.

The visitors edged in front with 10 minutes left when Ayley converted from the spot following an infringement in the penalty area.

Despite further chances to extend their advantage, Blandford had to settle for a 2-1 scoreline.

Asagba, who handed a debut to substitute Shane Haim, continued: "We adjusted things slightly at half-time and despite losing Ryan and conceding a ridiculous goal, we began to play.

"Although we were still a bit off what I would normally expect we caused them problems, created chances and defended very well individually if not collectively.

"We won the ugly way and showed some resolve which answered a few questions about our character.

"Better teams than us have been turned over up there and it's easy to see why but I am absolutely delighted with the win and character shown by the squad.

"This gives us a nice platform to prepare for a huge derby against Sturminster Marshall next week."

Meanwhile, Swanage Town & Herston made it three league wins on the spin as they triumphed 3-2 at Tintinhull.

Alan Lay’s side completed the double over the Tin Men thanks to a brace from Garan Bennett and a further goal from Peter Taylor.

Basement battlers Sturminster Marshall were on the end of a 6-3 defeat at Westland Sports as Louis Irwin led the way with four goals.

Josh Payne and Sam Gibbs also found the net for the Somerset outfit.

Sturminster Marshall did not lose any ground on second-bottom Poole Borough as the latter side were hammered 5-0 at home by Hamworthy Recreation.

Elsewhere, Parley Sports were outgunned 4-0 by visitors Shaftesbury Town while Wareham Rangers overcame Cranborne 3-1.