BRIDPORT UNDER-18 3 WAYTOWN HOUNDS 0

BRIDPORT’S under-18s celebrated their first ever entry into the Edwards Charity Cup by winning the competition in emphatic fashion.

In the final against Waytown Hounds at St Mary’s Field, a crowd of 131 saw the young Bees run out 3-0 winners in a keenly contested encounter.

The Hounds, also making their first appearance in the final, started brightly and were on top in the opening minutes, but Bridport held firm with the defence working well alongside captain Jordan Gregory.

Gradually the youngsters gained a foothold in the match with Rhys Hayter, who has already made a first-team appearance for Bridport’s Western League side, and Olly Woodcock exerting control of the midfield areas.

Waytown became restricted to raids on the breakaway relying on the pace of Jon Legg to keep the Bridport defence on their guard. A combination of good defending and poor finishing meant that the first goal of the game arrived in the 40th minute, when Woodcock was on hand to slide in a rebound and put Bridport one up.

Waytown started the second half busily searching for an equaliser, and Bridport keeper Adam Hoskins twice needed treatment following brave saves at the feet of the Waytown forwards.

Experienced Weytown stopper Lee Cuff was also busy, displaying some sound handling, but he was given no chance when Sam Tabner scored from the penalty spot after a foul on the ever-dangerous Jonah Ayunga.

To their credit, Waytown strived to get back into the game but a third goal scored from distance by Woodcock ensured that the youngsters won the trophy, which was presented to them by councillor Geoff Ackerman, the council’s representative on the Bridport Football Partnership.

Waytown manager Mark Hughes graciously praised the Bridport youngsters for their performance, accepting that they were the better side on the night.