WILLAND ROVERS 3

BRIDPORT 0

BRIDPORT’S bid for back-to-back wins in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division was abruptly ended with defeat at Willand Rovers.

The reverse, Bridport’s eighth league loss of the season, left them 11th in the league standings.

The Bees were dealt a blow in the build-up to the contest as goalkeeper Ashley Weeks was taken ill and fellow stopper Josh Hadley was unavailable through work commitments. Gloveman Jamie Fry stepped in between the sticks.

Youngster Tom Blair had a shot cleared off the line from 15 yards out in the opening period for the visitors but Willand got the breakthrough around 10 minutes before the interval.

The home side broke down the left and crossed to the near post, and although an attacker did not fully connect with his effort at goal, the ball ended up in the net.

The Bees’ best spell then came in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.

Substitute Tristan Gale, who came on at half-time replacing the injured Blair, put in a menacing cross from the right and Warren Byerley headed the ball against a post from close range.

Gale then tried his luck with a shot that was charged down and Chris Clarke delivered for striker Mark Salter, who just couldn’t add the finishing touch.

But, with 20 minutes to go, Willand doubled their advantage.

A half-cleared ball dropped to the hosts, who managed to convert after playing the ball through.

With the Bees’ pushing forward late on, the game was then wrapped up by high-flying Rovers, as they caught Bridport on the edge of their box and fired home a third.

Reacting after the game, Bridport manager Trevor Senior told Echosport: “I think three goals flattered them to be fair.

“I was not too despondent really.

“I didn’t feel that they were as good as when we played them at home.”

Bridport will now turn their attentions to their next test against Cribbs at St Mary’s Field on Saturday (3pm).

Senior added: “We have a big squad to choose from because there is no reserve game.

“There are one or two carrying knocks but we will assess them.”

Blair is likely to be ruled out through injury but Senior is hoping to have Matt Condliffe and Tom Richardson available for selection.

Bees: Fry, Evans, Clarke, Dovell, Stewart, Hayter, Blair (T Gale 46), Peach, Salter (Radivojsa 80), Byerley (S Gale 60), Beasley