BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

POUNDBURY ROVERS 0

JACK Scovell netted twice as the Bees booked their place in the last four of the Dorset Senior Trophy at St Mary’s Field.

Bridport proved the more clinical side on the day but according to boss Robin Townsend, their overall performance left a lot to be desired.

He said: “The pitch was heavy and perhaps it did the lads a bit of a disservice because our first-half performance was definitely the poorest I have seen since I have been here.

Poundbury are two divisions below us but in that first 45 minutes they looked fitter and sharper, and clearly wanted it more, which was very disappointing.

“All the lads are quality guys and fantastic people, and I cannot fault them for effort. However, they just cannot seem to get to grips with what we tell them at the minute and it is extremely frustrating.

“One week we play well and the next we are completely off it and it is that lack of consistency that we need to rectify.”

Scovell put the Bees ahead in the first half with a fine half-volley from 16 yards but it was Poundbury that were much the better side.

The Dorchester outfit strung together some good passages of play but they were unable to turn it into clear-cut chances much to their frustration.

The same pattern continued after the break and only a fantastic save from Jamie Fry thwarted an equaliser after Ashley Clarke’s attempted clearance looked destined for his own net.

To Townsend’s relief, Scovell then added a second to kill the game with 15 minutes remaining but it did little to lift his mood.

He added: “We will take the positives out of it but there is no doubt we will need a massive improvement when we travel to Chickerell United next Saturday, which is a massive league game for us.

“As for Poundbury, I think they left feeling a little aggrieved and I can understand why because in spells they played very well and perhaps deserved something for their efforts.”

The Bees will travel to Sherborne Town Reserves in the semi-finals on March 9 (2.30pm).

Bees: Fry, Stordy, A Clarke, King, McAllister, Steele, C Bulman, Gale (Herbst 70), Day (Fleet 65), Scovell, Richardson (Kamara 75).