SOUTH: Dorchester boosted by Groves appeal success

At a disciplinary hearing held at the Dorset County FA offices on Monday evening, the case against Dorchester Town's Matthew Groves, for the sending off in the friendly against Bournemouth Poppies, was found 'not proven' and the 35 day suspension that has been hanging over him since August has been overturned.

The four man panel heard evidence from Shaun Brooks, Manager of Bournemouth Poppies, Paul Cuglietta a Poppies player and Dorchester Manager Mark Morris, as well as from the match referee and crucially the assistant referee who brought the matter to the referees attention.

After the hearing Matt Groves said: "I would like to thank Shaun and Paul for attending the hearing, I would also like to thank my manager, Mark Morris for the support I have received from him and also Dave Martin the club secretary for the professional way he conducted the appeal. After several months of worry, it is a great weight off my shoulders."