Under-17

BRIDPORT 5 WEYMOUTH COUGARS 2

IN THE second of three play-off games which will determine the winners of this year’s league, Bridport travelled to face a Weymouth side who, after last week’s defeat to Sher-borne, knew only a win could keep their hopes alive.

Both sides demonstrated the quality that has brought them to this stage and when Sam Tabner made contact with a Jonah Ayunga cross, the Bees took the lead.

Inspired, Bridport press-ed on and their efforts were rewarded when a superb attacking move reached its climax at the feet of Fred Warren who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner.

This two-goal cushion was short-lived and the game was swiftly brought back into contention as Cougars scored from a cross – leaving the half-time result a precarious 2-1 to Bridport.

The Bees entered the second half with the same avidity with which they had begun the first and it didn’t take long before Ayunga cut inside and blistered the ball into the back of the net.

Within five minutes, the hosts scored again as Ayunga slipped the ball across to Olly Woodcock who spooned it in.

In a final show of strength, Cougars broke Brid-port’s otherwise solid, defensive line and brought the game to 4-2.

However, this proved inconsequential and, following a through ball from Tabner, Ayunga provided the game’s coup de grace as he delicately dinked the ball over the keeper.

This victory means that Bridport’s game on Sun-day against Sherborne at St Mary’s Field will act as a cup final for the league.