Portland test next for Bees after Weymouth defeat

9:01am Tuesday 15th July 2008

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BOSS Ian Hutchinson admits there is "lots of work to do" as Bridport continue their pre-season preparations with the visit to Dorset Premier League champions Portland United tonight (7pm).

The Bees were edged out 6-5 by Weymouth under-18s in a thrilling friendly at St Mary's Field on Saturday, during which three penalties were conceded by a reckless home side.

Bridport took the lead through Russell Legg but after their equaliser shortly before the interval, Weymouth capitalised on some kamikaze defending to net five times in the opening 25 minutes of the second period.

To their credit, the Bees retaliated with four goals without response to reduce the deficit, one of which a crackerjack strike from Dan Wise, nevertheless, they couldn't conjure up an elusive equaliser.

Hutchinson, who highlighted several positives including his players' collective resolve after falling five goals behind, knows his side must improve when they face a step up in class tonight.

He said; "It's early days at the moment and there is lots of work to do but it's better to get mistakes out of the way and to learn from them now rather than have them occur when the season starts on August 9.

"We gave away three penalties, which I believe was a problem last season and this is why I'm talking to the guys about discipline on and off the pitch.

"It was good to see the players' character to come back from 6-1 down and you could see how much it hurt those who were subbed to be in that match position."

He added: "Portland have some good local players so it will be a good test for our boys but it's a chance for them to show what they can do."

Bees from: L Cuff, Cleal, Fellows, Senior, Fellows, Symes, Hayter, Kenway, Stordy, Churchill, Legg, D Lock, Evans, Skinner, Wise, Beaton, Condliffe.