BRIDPORT RESERVES 3 TINTINHULL 1

A JACK Scovell-inspired Bridport Reserves got back to winning ways in the Dorset Premier League with a 3-1 victory against Tintinhull.

In-form striker Scovell could well have been celebrating a four-goal haul had the referee not ruled out a first-half effort that Bees’ boss Robin Townsend felt clearly crossed the line.

That said, Townsend was delighted for Scovell, who he feels is up there with the best players in the league.

Bridport’s match-winner opened the scoring inside the first five minutes with a shot from 20 yards which found the top corner.

Despite going behind early on, the Tinmen had a couple of excellent chances at set-pieces to level.

Then Scovell thought he had bagged a second of the afternoon when his shot trickled over the goalline before being cleared by a defender.

However, after it seemed as though the linesman had given the goal, the referee played on and only a last-ditch tackle from Darren Lock prevented the visitors equalising.

But with 10 minutes of the first period left, Adam Steele found Scovell and he did the rest to make it 2-0.

Scovell added a third on the hour mark to seal the victory, though the Tinmen scored a consolation late on to deny the hosts a clean sheet.

“We didn’t play particularly well,” said Townsend. “But at the moment we need to get results and hopefully the performances will come.

“I’m really pleased for Jack. He ended up with a hat-trick but should have had four.

“I rate him very highly and he is probably one of the best players in our league.”

Townsend was also pleased to have so many players available for selection, and he will be hoping for the same when the Bees go to Sturminster Marshall this Saturday.

Bees: Fry, Peart, Lock, Baggs, Fleet, Legg, Bulman (Cummings 65), Steele (King 65), Hayter (Stordy 60), Clarke, Scovell. Subs not used: Walken, Fouracre