BRIDPORT Reserves’ manager Shaun Annetts took full responsibility for the Bees’ 5-0 loss over Hamworthy United Reserves but, was pleased to see improvement on Tuesday night despite a 3-2 defeat to Gillingham Town Reserves.

The Hammers scored all five of their goals in the opening 25 minutes before the visitors battened down the hatches to see out the rest of the game.

It was a better start on Tuesday as Annetts’ men raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Elliott Mann and Alf Ward. But their opponents fought back to take the lead before half-time with three quick-fire goals.

Despite a number of chances, the Bees were unable to find a winner with first-team manager Adam Fricker watching on.

Speaking about Saturday’s defeat, Annetts said: “I take full responsibility. I looked at the league table and I thought that they are down near the bottom and they are probably going to be young so it would be a good contest.

“We went with a young team and conceded early again. It was clear from the first few minutes that Hamworthy were extremely talented. They were one of the best teams that we’ve played this season.”

A mixture of the Hammers’ first team and reserve regulars tore into the young Bees outfit, racing into a five-goal lead inside the opening 25 minutes.

However, Bridport managed to steady the ship and saw out the rest of the game without conceding.

They took that momentum into Tuesday night’s game and, instead of conceding early like they had in their last three games, they scored in the opening exchanges through Mann, playing with the reserves to get some form.

They went 2-0 up inside 20 minutes. Ward unleashed a shot that, after a deflection, wrong-footed the goalkeeper to double the hosts’ lead.

The advantage was short-lived as the away side battled back to lead at half-time.

The Bees were on the front foot in the second half but, were unable to find a winner. Josh Hull spurned a chance that could have salvaged a point.

Annetts added: “These young players will keep improving and I believe in the new year we will push on.”