INTERIM Portland United boss Gary Bailey has praised the patience of dual-signed Eastleigh Academy striker Tom Bearwish.

The 18-year-old scored a hat-trick in the Blues’ 6-1 demolition of Amesbury Town in the Sydenhams Premier Division last Saturday.

It has been a fragmented campaign for the youngster, who hooked up with Dorchester Town earlier in the season, but Bailey believes Bearwish is benefitting from an extended run of games with Portland.

“Tom is a good lad,” he said. “He’s not been messed around, but he’s had to be patient.

“It didn’t work out at Dorchester, but he’s just benefitted from a run of games and he’s getting his match fitness.

“He’s got a great attitude and he does all the right things. He’s a hard-working lad.

“Hopefully he can stay in form and get a run of games with us to the end of the season.”

Portland, currently 11th in the Sydenhams Premier, are at home to AFC Portchester on Saturday.

Meanwhile Ollie Griggs, a former Eastleigh midfielder, has dual-signed for Wessex top-flight outfit Brockenhurst from Dorchester.

Brock boss Pat McManus tweeted: “Really pleased to have secured a 28 day loan for @Griggsy17_ from @DorchTownFC to get him some valuable game time and hopefully help get us back on track!”

Griggs, 19, put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Dorchester last June.