BRIDPORT 1

CRIBBS 1

BRIDPORT conceded a late goal to draw with Cribbs, after a late effort of their own through Leighton Thomas had given them a lead in the Toolstation Western Premier Division.

The draw leaves them unable to take sixth in the table, with seventh the highest they can now finish.

Declan Cornish was injured in the warm-up so remained on the bench throughout the match.

The two sides were well-matched as the game did not produce a huge amount of chances for either side.

In the first half, Mark Salter forced a brilliant save from the Cribbs’ goalkeeper.

In the second period, Ed Butcher had a couple of good chances, as he twice got on to the end of a ball over the top but with his first chance he shot across goal and, in the second, he miscued his shot.

Jason Hutchings was called into a fine reaction save in the second half, when Cribbs produced an effort after a good move down the wing.

Bridport got the breakthrough in the 80th minute from a corner.

Cribbs went to clear the ball but a ricochet allowed it to fall to Thomas in the six-yard box to fire in.

Bridport nearly scored another soon after as Butcher put a great ball into the box for Thomas, who fired in but the goalkeeper superbly flung himself at the ball in what would prove to be a crucial save for Cribbs.

In the 92nd minute, a hopeful ball into the box saw the ball flicked in before Andy Martin could get a header away.

Bridport could not respond in the little time left in the match as they were held to a draw. Bridport manager Adam Fricker said: “It is obviously disappointing to lose a goal late on but it was probably a fair result to be perfectly honest.

“It was quite an evenly matched game but played in quite high heat and the lads have played a lot of football over the last weeks and I think it has taken its toll a little bit.”

Fricker added: “We thought we had done enough, scoring with 10 minutes to go but that is football.

“You have to keep going until the last minute and the lads did it was just the fact that they managed to sneak one at the end.”

Bridport host Odd Down on Saturday for their last game of the season (3pm).

Bridport: Hutchings, Condliffe, Martin, Bailey, Sweet, Thomas, Peach, Andrews (Latas 68), Hebditch, Butcher. Subs not used: Fricker, Cornish.

Attendance: 79