Southampton golfer Richard Bland is in contention for his maiden European Tour victory and €250,000 in winnings after a back-nine fightback during the third round of the Trophee Hassan II.

The Stoneham professional had slipped down from an overnight position of fifth after a level-par front nine but, after dropping a shot on the 11th, the 42-year-old roared back into contention with a hat-trick of birdies from the 13th hole.

Bland dropped a shot at the last but still signed for a one-under 71 to lie tied for fourth on six under – just one shot off the lead – going into tomorrow’s final round in Morocco.

Richie Ramsey, Andrew McArthur and Romain Wattel share the lead on seven under.