David Brooks nets first-half HAT-TRICK against Portsmouth

David Brooks continues his remarkable return from cancer with a first-half HAT-TRICK against Portsmouth in the Hampshire Senior Cup – netting three during the 5-2 win to send the Cherries to the semi-finals

• David Brooks was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021
• He made his full return for Bournemouth during Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Aston Villa
• Brooks hopes to play a key role for the Cherries as they fight to avoid relegation

Bournemouth winger David Brooks continued his sensational return from cancer with a first-half hat-trick during his side’s 5-2 win over Portsmouth in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.

Brooks, who was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021, made an 11-minute cameo during Bournemouth’s 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa last weekend, marking his first senior appearance for the club in 18 months.

The Welshman revealed on social media in May 2022 that he was finally cancer free, and he has since been working towards a full return to action.

Continuing to build up his fitness, Brooks starred for the Cherries’ development squad against Portsmouth and produced a quickfire hat-trick to book his side a place in the semi-final of the competition.

Tom Lowery and Koby Mottoh put the visitors two goals ahead at the Vitality Stadium before Alan Connell’s young side made an impressive comeback, with Daniel Adu-Adjei netting a brace to add to Brooks’ three-goal display.

David Brooks continued his return from cancer with three goals versus Portsmouth on Tuesday

Brooks coolly converts his second goal of the match, which took a deflection before heading in

There was an element of good fortune to Brooks’ opening goals, with the winger bundling home his first effort on the goal line before firing a deflected strike from outside the penalty area past Portsmouth goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi.

Sealing the hat-trick in emphatic style, Brooks clinically slotted the ball with his weaker right foot into the bottom right-hand corner before the break.

Brooks, who played a huge role for Eddie Howe during Bournemouth’s best years in the Premier League, is now fully focused on helping his side secure top flight survival. 

The Cherries sit 19th in the table, one point adrift from safety. 

The winger is hoping to play a key role for Bournemouth as Gary O’Neil’s side fight relegation

‘I always aspired to get back since the diagnosis’ the 25-year-old said earlier this month. ‘Watching from the sidelines last year to get back to the Premier League was a tough watch.

‘You want to be a part of these things and I want to do everything I can to help Bournemouth stay up.’

Brooks, who received a heartfelt reception from all four corners of Villa Park when he came on to replace Adam Smith last weekend, admitted the road to recovery was very challenging.

‘It’s a bit of a weird emotion. I didn’t impact the game how I wanted to but on a personal note, the last 18 months have been a very difficult time. To get back out there and be a part of the team again was nice,’ he added.

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