BOURNEMOUTH POPPIES DEV 6

BEAMINSTER 2

UNDERCOOKED Beaminster came unstuck as Bournemouth Poppies Development took a 6-2 victory over the Rainbows in Dorset League Division One.

Beaminster were playing in their first match since news was announced of boss Murray Legg’s switch to Bridport Reserves from the 2024/25 season onwards.

Adding to an unusual off day for the west Dorset side, the Rainbows had been out of action for a month and were deservedly beaten.

Matt Charalambous scored a hat-trick for Poppies, with Joe Freak, Edrin Asante and Seb Perkins also on target.

READ MORE: Murray Legg named Bridport Reserves' boss for 2024/25 season

Beaminster did manage two consolations as Noah House, returning from injury, was brought down and converted from the spot.

Isaac House also found the top corner with another goal-of-the-season contender.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Legg said: “It wasn’t a great performance, we haven’t played for a month.

“We were playing on a 4G and they knocked the ball around very well. We were a little bit rusty but it was definitely a game that we needed ahead of the Maiden Newton game.”

Beaminster now turn their attentions to their Dorset Intermediate Cup semi-final with Maiden Newton & Cattistock at the Memorial Ground on Saturday (2.30pm).

Legg added: “It will be a great opportunity for us, it’s the first year of new management.

“We’ve had such a difficult three or four years as a club, it’s a really good opportunity for us to get to a final.

“We’ve played them twice this season and we were unfortunate to lose at their place and then we drew at our place.

“We’re under no illusions it’s going to be a difficult game but we’ve got the squad to be able to pull it off.”

Winners of the semi-final will play up-and-coming Division Two side Ridgeway or fellow Division One club Mere Town in the final.