BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

SWANAGE & HERSTON 1

BRIDPORT Reserves’ manager Shaun Annetts was treated to a fine birthday treat as he saw his side take all three points in a dramatic match against Swanage Town & Herston in the Dorset Premier League.

Goals from Alfie Ward and Samuel Handyside ensured the victory for the Bees, despite going down to 10 men after five minutes, in a result that denied their opponents second place in the table.

The game started at a manic pace as in three minutes Bridport took the lead. Ward picked the ball up from inside the centre circle, and went on a good run going past three players and got himself in the box before hitting a right-footed finish under the Swanage goalkeeper.

Two minutes later, Bridport were down to 10 men as Dominic McAllister was sent off for a reckless tackle.

Swanage were putting a lot of pressure on the Bridport defence which saw keeper Billy Fleet forced into two very good saves.

Despite this, it was Bridport that extended their lead in the 35th minute. The hosts played the ball to Handyside who drove past two Swanage players to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper before taking the ball round him and firing home.

The second half saw the away side hit the post early on but Fleet was not kept too busy despite the pressure.

After 60 minutes, however, the pressure told as a move down the right-hand side saw the ball crossed in for Cameron Beard who headed home to reduce the arrears.

After 70 minutes, an altercation between Bridport’s Jake Mansley and an opposing player resulted in the Swans’ man being sent off which eased the pressure as Josh Hull went close for the Bees with two strikes towards the end.

Annetts said: “It was my birthday on Saturday and I could not have asked for a better birthday present.”

“The lads were just incredible for all 90 minutes.”

Speaking about the early sending off Annetts said: “We knew it was going to be a tough afternoon playing Swanage with 11 men with 10 it was going be incredibly difficult.”

Bridport Reserves are next in action when they face a trip to Hamworthy United Reserves on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Fleet, Storey, Gall, Mansley, Strelley, McAllister, Handyside (Bagg 70), Scadding, Ward, Weedon (Paul 75), Cooper (Hull 75). Subs not used: Radivojsa, Hunter