BRIDPORT RESERVES 0 SHAFTESBURY TOWN 2

BRIDPORT Reserves’ winless run in the Dorset Premier League continued with a 2-0 home defeat by Shaftesbury Town, but boss Shaun Annetts was upbeat about his side’s performance.

After a goalless first half at St Mary’s Field, Rockies’ striker Lee Gale capitalised on two defensive errors to secure the three points.

However, Bees chief Annetts felt the hosts were hard done by and he reckoned they deserved at least a draw.

Josh Hadley’s call-up to Trevor Senior’s first team meant Annetts had to go with right-back Adam Stordy in between the sticks.

The visitors were on top in the opening 10 minutes but for the rest of the first period it was Bridport who had the best chances to go in front.

Josh Baker found space in between the Rockies’ midfield and back four and he was denied three times by the visitors’ keeper.

Shaftesbury took the lead when a mix up at a corner allowed Gale to pounce, and then as the Bees chased an equaliser a slip by Sam Day let in the former to slot past Stordy.

Assessing the game, Annetts said: “The score doesn’t reflect how pleased I was with our performance.

“We didn’t deserve to lose that game. I think we deserved to come away with a draw at the very least.

“We were good going forward and defended very well, but we made two errors in defence and got punished on both occasions.

“We came away from the game rather disappointed but pretty confident with the way we played.”

Commenting on the goalkeeping situation and highlighting some of his standout performers on the day, he added: “I did try and sign a keeper when I found out Josh Handley wasn’t available but I really was up against it.

“Adam Stordy has kept goal before and there was no whingeing from him, he just got on with it.

“He did well on the whole and wasn’t particularly busy because of how the defenders played in front of him.

“Josh Baker was our man of the match and my son Liam did exceptionally well in his first start for more than 18 months.

“Ryan Dovell and Matt Condliffe couldn’t play for the first team so they played for us, and both did a really good job.”

The Bees, who haven’t won a league game since September 12, go to Mere Town this Saturday.

Bees: Stordy, Herbst, Day (East 85), L Annetts, T Gale, Condliffe, Fleet, Cummings (Carter 75), Baker, Jones, Dovell. Subs not used: S Gale, S Annetts