Dean Bowditch gave manager Jim Magilton a reminder of his goalscoring abilities as he netted a first half hat-trick in a 4-0 reserves defeat of Stevenage Borough at Portman Road. Jordan Rhodes added the other, as seems to be obligatory in reserve games this season.

Bowditch put the Blues in front on 15 with a sharp finish, then Rhodes put the Blues further in front with a poacher's effort on the half hour.

The third and Bowditch's second came on 34, the man just back from a loan spell at Brighton completing his hat-trick with five minutes of the half remaining. Earlier the referee had been forced off after colliding with a Stevenage player, the official leaving the field clutching his head.

Bowditch, who is on the mend after a groin problem which cut short his spell at the Withdean Stadium, made way for schoolboy midfielder Billy Clark for the second half.

The Blues failed to add to their goals in a second period in which Clark was one of Town's best performers and two Stevenage players left the field on stretchers. Young Scottish central defender Paul Watson was again impressive at the back for the Blues.

Bowditch looked sharp in and around the area throughout his time on the field, although he might have scored a fourth, while Rhodes should had scored more than his single goal.

All in all, another easy victory for the reserves, despite fielding a very young side with Luke Hyam and Matt Daniels making their debuts.

The second string continue to have a 100% league record and have already won the Pontin's Holidays Combination League East Division.

Reserves: 1 Ward, 2 Synnott, 3 Robinson, 4 Reason, 5 Watson, 6 Hyam (14 Eastman 88), 7 Ainsley (12 Clemo 83), 8 Trotter, 9 Rhodes, 10 Bowditch (13 Clark 46), 11 Daniels. Unused: 15 Griffiths, 16 Wickham.

Photo: Action Images

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