DORKINIANS produced a greatly improved performance against the Championship leaders at Barnes and were close to avenging their single goal defeat at Pixham Lane earlier in the season.

The first half developed into a fairly even contest, with Dorkinians creating the better chances but failing to find the net.

Five minutes from half-time however, they were forced to yield to a swift counter thrust out of the home defence, resulting in Shene gaining a surprise lead.

Encouraged by their later effort just prior to the break, Shene opened up the second half in confident mood and within 10 minutes added to their lead when Luke Goddard's dramatic headed clearance off the goal line was promptly returned into the net.

An immediate response from the Dorkinians reduced the deficit, when Tom Neville's handsome free-kick from 25 yards sailed into the net.

The visitors' renewed momentum almost gained them a deserved equaliser when James Dickenson, advancing from defence, saw his effort rebound off the bar.

Shene seemed to have secured a hard fought victory 15 minutes from time when they restored their two goal cushion, but almost immediately, the Dorkinians responded with their second goal.

Goddard, who had contributed an excellent performance, set up Lee Andrew Jepson who outwitted two opponents before unleashing a spectacular drive from the edge of the box which blazed into the net.

However, it was not enough and Shene withstood the visitors' final efforts to maintain their Championship challenge.

On Saturday Dorkinians are without a fixture, but their reserves entertain Temple Bar at Pixham in Division 3 (South).

Kick off is at 2.45pm.

Dorkinians: Whitmarsh, Dickenson, Thomas (Black), Simkins J Neville Jepson, Morley, Allenoski, Woodard, Mottram, T Neville.