BRIDPORT RESERVES 0 PORTLAND UNITED 5

ST MARY’S Field again proved to be a happy hunting ground for Portland United in the Dorset Premier League Cup on Saturday.

The Blues, who won 2-0 at the same venue in the quarter-finals of last season’s competition, won convincingly at the weekend thanks to a hat-trick from Charlie May.

Portland’s victory, their second over the Bees this term, sends them through to the last eight, which will take place in the new year.

Bridport’s afternoon got off to a shocker when Shane Evans put through his own net just five minutes in.

Despite creating several good opportunities, Gary Bailey’s islanders couldn’t build on their lead before the break.

But they didn’t have long to wait in the second half for the next goal to come, Ashley Smith scoring after a miscued effort from May had fallen kindly to him.

Two minutes later it was 3-0, May turning the ball in from close range following Ed Bastick’s mazy run.

A groin problem saw Bastick replaced by Jake Price on the hour mark, and the substitute really did take his chance to show what he could do.

As well as hitting the woodwork twice, Price set up the fourth for May who powered in a header at the far post.

And May completed his hat-trick with 15 minutes to go, converting from the penalty spot after he had been fouled in the Bridport area.

“I’m really pleased for Charlie,” said boss Bailey. “He is new to the club this season and had to be patient to start with because he missed the first few games.

“And it’s been tough for him to get into the team because we’ve been playing well.

“He came off the bench last week and scored, and he got to start on Saturday and did what we wanted him to do.”

On his side’s display as a whole, Bailey added: “It was an excellent all-round performance.

“We dominated the first half without the goals coming, but it was terrific stuff in the second half.

“Bridport had a good side out but they couldn’t live with us, our passing and movement was excellent.

“I was also pleased for Jake Price who made a great impression coming off the bench.”

Blues: Boyt, Bessant (B Doidge 70), Whyton, Austin, Holland, Carmichael, Halloran, Bastick (Price 60), R Doidge, May, Smith