BRIDPORT RES 3 SHERBORNE TOWN RES 1

ROBIN Townsend was delighted with his side’s performance against Sherborne Town Reserves, particularly after being left with a bare XI just hours before the game.

Injuries and availabilities left the Bridport reserve-team manager scratching around for a team before kick-off but the players that turned out in the end certainly did not let him down.

Ben Clarke bagged two goals, including a penalty, while the other strike came from Carl Bulman, who did an excellent job at left-back.

Sherborne replied with a header from a corner from Darren Rowe on the hour but not even that could spoil what eventually turned out to be a good day for the home side.

Townsend said: “We were really struggling for numbers at one stage.

“We had two or three pull out with late injuries and also lost a couple to work commitments. Our regular keeper Billy Fleet was also on holiday.

“Mark Franklin was going to stand in for Billy but he then fractured his wrist on Friday lunchtime.

“Luckily, Shaun Annetts helped us out but he is around 50, which is not the way for a reserve-team to go.

“We only had the bare XI for the start of the game but then a couple of lads came over after our third-team’s game to sit on the bench.

“After all that I was obviously delighted to get the three points.”

Commenting on the match in more detail, Townsend went on to add: “We played some good football in spells and we took our goals well.

“Ben Clarke got the first from the spot, which was good.

“We had missed our last three penalties before that so to finally stick one away was a nice feeling.

“After that I felt we were always in control and Ben went on to add a second one with another fine finish in the second half after some good individual work.

“I think that is now 13 or 14 goals he has scored this season and I am sure he will go on to get 20 plus by the end of the campaign.

“It’s great to have a player of his calibre in the side and I am really pleased for him.

“Carl Bulman then got the third with a great strike from the edge of the box after we had caught Sherborne on the break.

“It was a shame we conceded one after that but the result was never in doubt.

“Sean Stewart also had another good game and it was also great to see Darren Lock back.”

Next up for the Bees, who now lie sixth in the Bespoke Team-wear Dorset Premier League, is a trip to high-flying Hamworthy Recreation on Saturday (2pm).

Bees: Annetts, C Bulman, Lock, A Clarke (Rh Hayter 80), Day, Stewart, Fleet, Hailu, Gale, Jones (Cummings 70), B Clarke.