WESTLANDS SPORTS 3 BRIDPORT 3 SIMON Gale fired in a hat-trick as Bridport came from behind three times at Elite Teamwear Dorset Premier League side Westland Sports.

The goals take his pre-season tally up to eight and although manager Peter Conning's search for an experienced striking partner has proved fruitless so far, he is pleased with Gale's early form.

"Ideally we do not want to rely on Simon like we did last year but he has done well in pre-season," he said, "we haven't been able to bring in anyone locally and it is difficult to attract players from further afield."

At the other end, the Bees' defence has been boosted by new signings Gary McAuley and Richard Leach, who joined Dave Newland in a back three with five across the midfield.

Busy Westlands provided a good test, going 1-0 up early on, only for Gale to equalise from the penalty spot after he was pushed in the box.

A well taken volley put the hosts ahead at the start of the second half, but again the Bees hit back when Gale finished from Richie Parkinson's cross.

Westlands went 3-2 up from a quick break that had Bridport stretched at the back. Gale levelled again by simply tapping home the rebound from Chris Armstrong's initial effort.

Bees: Peters, Newland, McAuley, Leach, Flann, Armstrong, Greeno, Gisborne, Rose, Parkinson, Gale. Subs used: Linney, Conning.

* Bridport Reserves defeated Chickerell United 1-0 in their final warm up game at St Mary's Field. Richie Middleton got the Bees' goal.