TINTINHULL 0 BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

STUNNING strikes from Sam Day and Michael Hailu lifted Bridport Reserves into the Dorset Premier League top five.

Defender Day found the top corner with a 25-yard free-kick midway through the first half before Hailu sealed the win, courtesy of an unstoppable volley during the second period.

And what made the victory even more satisfying for boss Robin Townsend was that the visitors were without several regulars who had been called up to the first team.

Rhys Hayter and Ryan Gall again came in from the Bridport third team while there was an impressive performance from young keeper Matty Peart.

“We were left a bit short by call-ups to the firsts but the lads that came in did really well,” said Townsend.

“Rhys and Ryan did well off the bench in the second half, Matty did a good job too and Russell Legg helped us out as well.

“Tintinhull are a physical side and I thought we needed someone like Russell to give us that steel in the midfield.

“We dominated the first 20 minutes, they came back into it and had a few chances, but we were probably the stronger side.

“We went 1-0 up midway through the first half when Sam Day gave the keeper no chance from a 25-yard free-kick.

“They didn’t really have many clear-cut chances and halfway through the second half we scored one of our best goals of the season.

“Tristan Gale got to the byline, pulled the ball back and Michael Hailu met the ball on the volley and it flew past the keeper.”

After an indifferent run of form this time last year, Townsend is delighted to see his men picking up points during a key period of the season.

They host Shaftesbury Town next to kick-off a busy January, which sees them in action in both the league and cup.

And although he might have lost some of his players to Trev- or Senior’s first-team squad, the reserves’ manager is pleased to see some of his charges get the chance of stepping up a level.

“It’s great that lads like Gary Bulman and Adam Steele are having an opportunity with the firsts,” he added.

“Although we may lose a few players it is what we are here for.”

Bees: M Peart, Day, A Clarke, Lock, C Bulman, Hailu (Gall 65), H Fleet, Legg (Baker 70), Gale, Jones (Rh Hayter 65), B Clarke