HAMWORTHY Recreation boss Steve Manuel has opted to step down as manager at the end of the season.

Despite his side being in the Dorset Premier League title hunt throughout the campaign, Manuel is keen to take a rest from the hotseat.

He is one of three managers known to be quitting at the end of the season, with Sturminster Marshall boss Paul Maitland and Blandford United’s Jamie Murray also planning to depart.

But Rec have already found a successor and Manuel’s place will be taken by reserve team boss Gareth Daniel.

Manuel led his charges to victory at home to Westland Sports last Saturday, courtesy of a Crispin Rigler goal after 55 minutes.

He has been more than happy with his side’s performance this term and claims his decision was purely for “personal reasons”.

“I just want a break basically,” he said.

“I don’t think people realise how much effort is involved in doing this – managing a team is hard work.

“Don’t get me wrong, there’s a great bunch of people there working behind me.

“But I’ve reached a point where I want to be able to do other things.

“There’s never an easy time to knock it on the head but I think it’s the right thing for me and the right thing for the club.”

Manuel added: “Gareth will be taking over, just as I took over from Pat Notley when I was reserve team manager four years ago.

“He’s a good, young lad and unfortunately his career was cut short by a cruciate ligament injury.

“I made the decision early because I just want Gareth to have time to prepare and start looking at players.

“I’ll help him do that, just as Pat did for me.”

Elsewhere, Poole Borough kept their faint hopes of pipping Portland United to the championship alive with a 4-1 win over Holt United at Turlin Moor.

Argentine playmaker Rodrigo Pons opened the scoring after 12 minutes, before Joe Toghill doubled the advantage on 23.

Pepe Smith pulled one back for the Bulls five minutes before the break but strikes from Pons on 51 and 73 completed his hat-trick.

The Hornets are still playing catch up against Portland, though, after the Islanders defeated Sturminster Marshall 1-0 at home.

Cranborne were celebrating after ending their nine-game DPL losing streak with a 2-0 triumph at Cobham Sports.

Chris Anderson opened the scoring on the hour before Gary Clarke sealed the points 10 minutes from time.

Meanwhile, Swanage Town and Herston ended their season with a whimper, as they went down 1-0 in a dour match at Chickerell United.

And in the day’s other game, a heavily depleted Blandford United lost out 2-0 at Wincanton Town.