Technology to use Twitter feeds to update match scores is the latest tool in the automation of sports reporting.

Presteligence's My Team Scoop software already tracks events in a game, graphically presenting events in real time via a branded site and mobile apps.

Now the software company says it can read Twitter feeds - search for hashtags tied to an event - and update scores accordingly, as well as allowing users to access the site to update a score, which is then marked 'unconfirmed'.

Presteligence says the system can also be set up to follow specific Twitter users and their score updates which would be considered vetted or confirmed, and users can also request 'scorekeeper' access.

"Publishers are up against the ease of social media when it comes to people looking for scores so any automation helps," says a spokesperson. "The system auto-creates a hashtag for each event which can also be edited by staff. It's a great tool to promote to schools for events not accessible for the newspaper to attend."

The company has several users in North America including Carroll County Times and www.carrollvarsity.com in Maryland, 1480 WHBC Radio and www.whbcsports.com, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and AIM Media's Texas newspapers.

Sites combine news stories, team schedules, rosters, school and league information, as well as scores, stats and standings for school and community sports within a publisher's coverage area.

Fans can follow their favourite teams for real time score updates via text, email, and push notifications from branded iOS and Android apps.