BRIDPORT 0 HALLEN 3

BRIDPORT boss Trevor Senior had to concede his side were second best against Bitton at St Mary’s Field.

However, Bitton’s win, their 11th in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division this season, didn’t come without some controversy.

With the visitors leading 2-0 and Bridport having just hit the woodwork, Jason Thatcher was allowed to rejoin the game following an injury right next to where the hosts had possession of the ball.

Thatcher took advantage, robbed Matt Morley and fired a shot from all of 40 yards that gave Bees’ keeper Ashley Weeks no chance.

Senior didn’t feel the incident cost his team the match but he was surprised at the referee’s decision to wave the Bitton man back on to the field when he did.

“The ball went to Matt and he was totally unaware that the referee had called the injured player back on,” said Senior.

“Their player took the ball off him and hit a shot that caught Ashley by surprise.

“It was a hell of a finish and it killed the game off as far as we were concerned.

“I’m not saying it cost us the game but it took the wind out of our sails.

“We had just hit the woodwork and were beginning to put a bit of pressure on them, then all of a sudden it was game over.”

The real damage had been done in the first half when Elan Plummer and Luke Bryan put the visitors 2-0 in front.

Matt Condliffe had Bridport’s best chance before the break, though the away side also struck the woodwork prior to Plummer’s opener.

“We were pretty lucky to come in at half-time only 2-0 down,” Senior added.

“But the break gave us time to regroup and I thought we gave it a go in the second half.

“Matt Morley had a shot saved by their keeper and then Chris Senior headed against the bar.

“Warren Byerley kept the ball alive and Tom Richardson just failed to get on the end of his cross. Within 30 seconds of that chance Bitton scored their third and that was it.”

He continued: “We were well beaten, but if they hadn’t scored their third you don’t know what might have happened.”

Bees: Weeks, Condliffe, Morley (Hill 74), Evans, Senior (Clarke 74), Ry Hayter, Filkins, Wise, Richardson (Rh Hayter 66), Byerley, Stewart

Man of the match: Sean Stewart

Attendance: 89