BRIDPORT RESERVES 5

CRANBORNE 2

A HAT-TRICK from Josh Hunter as well as goals from Nathan Storey and Owen Ward saw Bridport Reserves end their three-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over Cranborne at St Mary’s Field on Saturday.

The visitors, who sit at the bottom of the league standings, took a shock lead in the 20th minute before Hunter rifled home a left-footed effort before the break to level the game.

Storey scored from a corner after half-time before Hunter completed his hat-trick with two quickfire goal to put the game to bed. Ward added a fifth before Cranborne got a consolatory second as time ticked down.

Speaking about his side’s performance, manager Shaun Annetts said: “We played a bit better (than the last three games) although the teams we played were slightly better than Cranborne.

“I’m slightly disappointed that we conceded two goals.

“I’m pleased with the chances that we created and I’m pleased that Josh got his three goals.”

Asked whether the win was a relief, Annetts remarked: “Of course it is. It’s been three games and three performances so the timing (of the win) was good.

“We mixed things up and put in some young, fresh faces and they performed well.

“But, we’re still a long way off where I would like us to be.”

Up next for the reserves is a trip to Parley Sports on Saturday.

Their opponents sit 10th in the Dorset Premier League standings after three wins from their opening eight games.

Annetts should have a few first team players to choose from as the Bees are without a Western League game this weekend.

He added: “We will take that confidence into our next game against Parley and hope that we can get something from it.”