After a big win at Park Road on Saturday, the Royals made the trip to Bridport Reserves to try and continue their winning streak. Blandford made just the one change from Saturday’s 9-0 win as Charlie John stepped into the starting XI to replace the absent Bradley Parry.

Blandford United got off to a very quick start as Joe Freak got on the end of a low cross to give the Royals an early lead. One soon became two! After 15 minutes Blandford were awarded a spot kick which was dispatched by Steven Smith. Before you could take in the second, skipper William Johnson had made it three! Johnson found himself in space outside the box and found the net to continue the Royals’ dominant first-half display, but the Royals were not done for the first half. Patrick Jenkins made it four with an effort from outside of the box which saw Blandford 4-0 with only 30 minutes on the clock. The remainder of the half saw Bridport retaliate with a string of chances but the Royals were not giving up the clean sheet!

The second half started as a more even encounter. The hosts had their own chances as they tried their best to try and find a way back into the game! Blandford also had chances of their own. Like the first half, Joe Freak got on the end of a low cross, but this time his effort went over the bar. Bridport then hit the woodwork as they continued to try to build some momentum before Mark Ford made a save from the rebound. In the 86th minute, Joe Freak unselfishly found substitute Joe Kempster who had a very easy tap-in to introduce himself to the scoresheet. Just four minutes later he added his name for a second time! A free kick from Ryan Horwood found Steven Smith who flicked the ball down to Kempster who volleyed in his second and rounded off the scoring, 6-0!

The win means the Royals are up to 5th and, with games in hand, are 8 points off Sturminster Newton who sit at the top of the Dorset Premier League. Sturminster Newton take on Sturminster Marshall at Barnetts Field this evening (April 5) as they look to extend their lead at the top. As for Blandford United, their next fixture sees them travel to Bournemouth Sports in a 4th vs 5th clash.