MARKSMAN Scott Joyce bagged a brace as Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ mini revival was marked with back-to-back wins in Wessex Premier.

An excellent 2-0 victory was sealed at home to Horndean at Western Way on Saturday.

Bemerton’s opener arrived on the half hour mark as Reece Rusher, a mid-season capture from Winchester City Reserves, worked with well Jack Slade on the left handside. The talismanic skipper did well to provide the perfect cross for Joyce who took a touch before coolly finishing.

Slade and Graham Mankin were both denied by the woodwork in the second half and Matt Palmer also tried his luck from range, his effort flew just wide of the upright.

Tom Moseley and the excellent Rusher also went close before the contest was settled when Slade, again, did well to combine with his strike partner, Joyce, this time his effort ricocheted off the post for his 28th goal of the season.

Manager Ian Chalk says it’s pleasing to see his players smiling again.

“Aaron Cook, who has had a child, and Liam Hutchinson were the only absentees this week and unfortunately we lost Joe Spratt in the warm up, but with Graham Mankin, Tom Roberts and Neil Williams back full-time now, we look a more competitive outfit. Combine that with the return to form of Slade and Joyce, we look a far better proposition all over the park."

“Reece Rusher gets better every game and Tom Moseley is in fantastic form as well. All this has led to us picking up points in our last two games. We know we will lose again and it won’t come any tougher than this weekend at top-of-the-table Petersfield but we can go there with a bit of renewed confidence and give it a go.

“The most pleasing thing for me is to see the players smiling again after games.”