STURMINSTER MARSHALL 0 BRIDPORT RESERVES 7

BRIDPORT Reserves cruised to victory over bottom club Sturminster Marshall, despite struggling for playing numbers on the morning of the game.

The Bees, who had a squad of 12 lined up for the encounter, were hit by a late withdrawal, meaning boss Robin Townsend was left with a bare 11 just hours before kick-off.

But having acquired one more man from the Bridport first-team to boost their numbers, the visitors never looked back and took control from the outset.

They found themselves 4-0 in front at the interval with goals coming from Tom Fouracre, Tristan Gale and a Jack Scovell brace.

Christ Herbst then added another from the penalty spot, Scovell completed his hat-trick, and Ben Clarke also registered late on for the Bees, who now have 32 points to their name from 23 league outings.

Following the victory, Bridport manager Townsend told Echosport: “We were struggling for a side on Friday and managed to get 12 in the end, though I kept that quiet from the boys if I’m honest.

“One person pulled out on the morning of the game and I very kindly asked Trevor (Senior) if he would release one player from the first team, which he did, so we then had 12 again. I must thank him for that.

“We went there with a bit of a scratch side but we played really well. The clean sheet is the icing on the cake for me. We beat the team that was in front of us and did it very convincingly.

“In the first half we were very clinical, we created around seven chances and converted four of them. Their keeper made some good saves to keep the score down in the second half.”

Townsend also reserved special praise for a number of his charges.

“Jack Scovell was obviously impressive,” he added. “Ashley Walken played well again and Matt Dunlop had a good game, the whole performance was good.

“I am made up for Tom Fouracre as well, he is a young lad at 17 and that was the best game he had for me. He has definitely given me something to think about for next week.

“I am pleased for Ben Clarke as well because he was going through a bit of a barren spell, so it was good for him to get a goal too.”

The Bees’ chief was also delighted to see Simon Gale make his return from a long-term injury when he replaced Roger Cummings on the hour mark.

Bees: Fry, Peart, Herbst, Dunlop, Clarke, Cummings (S Gale 60), Bulman, Walken, Fouracre, Scovell, T Gale