KEN Vaughan reckons hitman Kabba Jack can finally fill Scott Joyce’s boots at Bournemouth Poppies – despite not getting the chance to at Brockenhurst.

Jack plundered a hat-trick as Poppies pummelled fellow Premier Division strugglers Alresford 6-3 in a ding-dong six-pointer at Arlebury Park.

The success saw Poppies establish a three-point cushion over their second-bottom rivals with Vaughan pleased as punch with Jack, who has four goals from his first two outings.

He said: “We have been crying out for a striker. He was with us some time back but disappeared and ended up at New Milton.

“He wanted a step up so went to Brockenhurst and then couldn’t get a place when they signed Scott Joyce but he certainly has a place with us, that’s for sure.

“I don’t think we’ve had a striker in two seasons, since Joycey was with us really, we just can’t get them. Kabba is firing on all cylinders and can only get better.”

Fawzi Saadi’s brace put Poppies two up prior to Jack’s first and the score remained 3-0 at half-time despite both teams hitting the woodwork.

Luke Ayrton’s screamer was followed by the fifth from Jack before Alresford got two back. Jack completed his treble and Poppies shipped a third late on.

  • Tyler Rutten was on target in Verwood Town’s 1-1 draw with Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division high-fliers Sholing at Potterne Park. Byron Mason scored for the visitors. 

Goals from Elliott Cross and Ryan Brading handed Lymington Town a 2-0 victory over Hamworthy United, a match that marked a fourth straight defeat in all competitions for the County Ground outfit.

Brockenhurst’s trip to Fareham was postponed.

 

  • Shane Sheridan was the hat-trick hero as New Milton Town ended a six-match winless run in all competitions. 

The Linnets won 3-2 against Laverstock & Ford to claim their third Sydenhams Wessex One victory of the campaign and leapfrog Fleet Spurs into 15th. 

Christchurch’s trip to Downton was abandoned due to floodlight failure.