BRIDPORT RESERVES 5

POOLE BOROUGH 2

BRIDPORT Reserves scored five second-half goals to beat Poole Borough 5-2 and extend their unbeaten run to six Jewson Dorset Premier League games.

Both teams showed depleted numbers on match day, with the Bees only able to name 12 players in their squad.

Of those, manager Chris Herbst was the sole substitute but did not come on due to an ankle injury.

Borough, who had to use Bridport’s away shirts after arriving at St Mary’s Field with no kit, actually took the lead through former Dorchester and Weymouth Reserves striker Conor Jevon.

READ MORE: Bridport Reserves earn four points in two games

But Bridport battled back in the second half as Josh Baker and Josh Hunter netted within three minutes of each other, only for Jevon to slide in his second for 2-2.

After a stoppage in play to treat a supporter injured by a clearance into the stand, Alfie Ward restored the hosts’ lead which was widened by an own goal from Pablo de Larriva.

And the win was sealed by Ward’s brace as Herbst’s men kept alive their hopes of bridging to the top five.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Herbst said: “We’re in good form, we didn’t play that well first half but second half I was over the moon.

“We gave them a stern talking to, saying we’ve got to put it right. Second half we actually got the ball down and played.

“When we get the ball down, we match any team in this league.”

Herbst’s men now turn their attentions to a hotly-anticipated DPL Cup semi-final clash at Hamworthy Rec on Saturday (2.30pm).

It comes after a 3-1 loss to Sturminster Newton in the Dorset Senior Trophy semi-finals earlier this month.

Herbst said: “It was a bit underwhelming last time so hopefully we’ll put it right, but it’ll be a tough ask. We’re chomping at the bit to play.

“The players, how they felt afterwards, they don’t want to feel that again.

“I back ourselves against anyone. Everyone has to play well, there can’t be any carriers this week. I think we’ve got a chance.

“We’re building something decent here, so a cup final – and we’re trying to get seventh in the league – it would be a great first season in charge.”

Ryan Gall (knee), Joe Etherington (calf and hamstring) plus Herbst (ankle) are all expected to overcome minor niggles in time for the semi-final.

Bees: Jo Scadding, Day, Baker, Owen, Adler, Etherington, Gape, Ward, Weedon, Hunter, Brook. Sub not used: Herbst.