CARETAKER boss Lee Bradbury says the imminent return of midfielder Mark Molesley will be “like a new signing” to Cherries.

Bradbury watched Molesley take a major step on the comeback trail when he lined up in Cherries’ Football Combination clash at Exeter on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old, who had been sidelined for 15 months due to a persistent foot problem, was given a gruelling 60-minute run-out at St James Park.

And although he came through unscathed, Bradbury insists the Londoner will not be rushed back into the first-team squad following such a lengthy absence.

Bradbury told the Daily Echo: “He did well. He got on the ball and looked decent. He has had a hard time over the past 15 months so it was nice to see him back. He got through it okay, which was the main thing.

“It will be like having a new signing once he gets fully fit and is raring to go again because he is such a good player. But he is going to need at least another two or three reserve games before we can consider looking at him for the first team.

“He has come this far and we would hate to push him back. As much as he wants to be involved as soon as possible, you have just got to be patient. If he were to get another setback, it could ruin his confidence so we have got to tread carefully with him.”

Cherries were on the back foot after the Grecians had raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 12 minutes with goals from John O’Flynn, Troy Archibald-Henville and Richard Logan.

And although Lyle Taylor reduced the arrears with a well-taken effort, former Cherries loan star Jake Thomson netted to complete the scoring before half-time.

Cherries ended the contest with four first-year apprentices on the pitch and were also forced to play the final 12 minutes with 10 men after midfielder Harry Arter had succumbed to a knee injury.

Substitutes Tom Strong, Clive Makoni and Marco Zocchi had already been used with Joe Partington sustaining a neck injury and Molesley and Danny Hollands always earmarked to make way after an hour.

Bradbury added: “It was a good mix of young lads and pros. It wasn’t about the result, it was about trying to get the players minutes on the pitch.

“Exeter had a strong side out and made a good start. But once the young lads got a bit of confidence and settled down, they did very well, especially in the second half.”