JEFF Goulding pressed his claims for a regular starting spot by opening his pre-season account with a first-half double in Cherries’ victory last night.

The former non-league star caught the eye with two fine finishes in a 3-0 win over Hamworthy Recreation.

Cherries, particularly in the opening 45 minutes, were much improved following their disappointing 2-1 defeat at Poole Town on Wednesday, producing a composed showing to see off their Dorset Premier League hosts.

And Goulding played a starring role as he fired home a volley on four minutes, then a well-taken header just before the interval.

“It’s always nice to get the goals but at this stage of the season it’s more about fitness for us all really,” said the ex-Fisher Athletic frontman.

“Everyone wants to put a good shift in but, more than anything, work hard and get our fitness ready for August 8, which is the most important thing.

“But it’s always nice to get on the scoresheet early on in pre-season because, as a forward, sometimes you’re waiting and waiting, so it’s nice.”

Goulding had Liam Feeney to thank for his double, as the winger provided both assists in a lively display on the right of midfield.

“We all know what Feeney’s about,” said Goulding.

“He puts in some great balls and there are times when players really should be there to get on the end of them and thankfully today I was there twice.

“I know Liam’s always going to put good quality balls in.”

Feeney almost got on the scoresheet himself with a 13th-minute header, only for Hamworthy’s veteran keeper Kevin Leonard to produce a good save.

And Leonard did his best to frustrate Eddie Howe’s men as he also kept out a low drive from youth team player Danny Ings on 17 minutes.

But Cherries continued to impress and Goulding grabbed his second of the game on 40 minutes.

However, the hosts were not without their chances and they almost pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time, but Richie Sands’ deflected effort cannoned back off the woodwork with Cherries keeper Ryan Pryce beaten.

Youth team graduate Steve Hutchings, one of 10 half-time changes made by boss Howe, started the second half well but his decent 53rd-minute effort hit the far post.

Trialist Davide Grassi, who is expected to feature against Southampton on Saturday, was also introduced at the interval and he again produced a solid performance.

It was the big defender who provided the cross from which Cherries got their third goal.

His low ball from the left was met by last season’s top scorer Brett Pitman, who demonstrated his class with a neat flicked finish on the run.

The bumper crowd were almost treated to a fourth from the Dean Court outfit, only for the crossbar to deny Joe Partington in the closing moments.

Among the spectators was young Cherries forward Josh McQuoid and he is likely to be sidelined for up to four weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in Wednesday’s match against Poole at Tatnam.

Meanwhile, Howe revealed that he expects to take a look at more trialists next week.

Cherries first half: Pryce; Webb, Broadhurst, Garry, Cummings; Feeney, Hollands, Hill, Ings; Fletcher, Goulding.

Cherries second half: Jalal; Stephenson, Partington, Pearce, Grassi; Pitman, Webb (Annetts, 53), Robinson, Igoe; Smith, Hutchings.