ADAM Fricker was impressed with his side’s character after Bridport battled back from 2-0 down to Odd Down to snatch a point.

After conceding two goals in the opening 15 minutes, the Bees got one back through Gary Bulman in the 22nd minute.

But, they had to wait until three minutes from time when Ed Butcher charged down the visitors’ keeper’s clearance.

The away side hit the post with a late penalty as the hosts held on for a draw.

Speaking after the game, Fricker told Echosport: “At 2-0 down they could have let their heads drop and sacked it in, but they didn’t.

“They fought well and, all in all, we took a lot of positives from that.

“We had some bite in the midfield and Ed Butcher had to play a different role because Mark Salter was out and he adapted well.

“But, the biggest thing for me was that they got us back into the game.”

That looked like a hard task after 15 minutes as Troy Simpson and Cory Simpson helped Odd Down into a comfortable position.

But Bulman – playing his first game for the club this season – netted midway through the first half to give the Bees a lifeline.

Chances came and went for the hosts as they battled for an equaliser.

Tom Blair missed a guilt edge chance with time running out, with the management staff resigning themselves to an unfortunate defeat.

But, in the 87th minute, Butcher charged down their keeper’s clearance and the ball hit his shoulder before agonisingly popping across the line.

There was more drama left in the game though as the Bees conceded a penalty within seconds of the leveller.

But they were spared the heartbreak as Odd Down hit a post leaving the sides to share the spoils.

Speaking about Butcher’s goal, Fricker explained: “It was a little bit of luck that I think we deserved.

“We rode our luck with the penalty, but I think we had earned that with the start to the season that we have had.

“We now have to produce that sort of performance for the full 90 minutes and not after we have conceded two goals.”

Bees: Hutchings, Martin, Chlopecki, Haines, Barrett (Hill 80), Hastings, Blair, Bulman, Rutter (Peach 70), Spurway (Woodland 62), Butcher. Subs not used: None

Attendance: 105

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