MERE TOWN 2 BRIDPORT RESERVES 1

THE Bees were left to rue a couple of defensive clangers as they lost for the fourth time on the road this season in the Dorset Premier League.

Bridport boss Robin Townsend bemoaned his side’s first-half display after they gifted the hosts the opening goal of the game.

The visitors got back on level terms early in the second period but ended up losing the match following a slice of bad luck involving keeper Matty Peart.

“I was very disappointed with our first-half,” said Townsend. “It was one of the worst first-half performances I have seen from us.

“They were better than us in the first half but we made a very average side look okay.

“We came in at half-time and discussed where things were going wrong, and the players knew themselves they could have done a lot better.

“We were better in the second half. We were quicker to the ball and retained possession better.

“We got back in the game through Rhys Hayter and then shot our- selves in the foot, but there was no blame on Matty Peart for their second goal, we were just a bit unlucky.

“After that we had to chase the game and put three men up top, but nothing materialised.”

Scott Martin gave Mere the lead on 20 minutes, beating Peart after Sam Day’s attempted clearance ricocheted to him off Dan Baggs’ shin.

The Bees levelled in the 48th minute when Hayter found the back of the net with a shot from distance.

But, on 62 minutes, Chris Herbst’s pass back to Peart took a bobble just as the keeper went to clear.

Rhys Mendham beat Peart to the loose ball and grabbed the all-important winner for the hosts with a calm finish.

Bridport switch their attention to the Dorset Senior Trophy this Saturday when they host Wimborne Town Reserves in the first round of the competition (2.30pm).

Bees: Peart, Herbst (Fouracre 80), Day, Baggs, Stordy, H Fleet, Legg, Rh Hayter, Steele (Cummings 60), T Gale, B Clarke