BRIDPORT interim-manager Mark Carter was impressed by his players’ efforts as they ended their season with a valiant 1-1 draw at Brislington in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

Warren Byerley gave them a half-time lead with a crisp effort after Mark Salter had hit a post with his close-range effort.

After spurning many chances to extend their lead, the hosts equalised with 20 minutes to go after a mix-up in the visitor’s back line.

There were more chances for the visitors after the leveller but they couldn’t find a way through the home side.

After a poor run of results for the Bees, Carter was pleased with the improved performance.

He said: “We could have come away with three points. We played really well and it was pleasing to see the lads play for each other.

“You could see it was a great team performance and I can’t fault the players.”

“Being the last game of the season, the players were relaxed. It was a great attitude, Brislington can be a hit and miss side – like us – and I think we played really well.

“However that is the most frustrating thing. This was our toughest game (under Carter) and we’ve picked up a point, but against teams below us we lost heavily.”

Playing without a recognised goalkeeper once again, the Bees started brightly. Chances fell to Shane Evans and Salter, but neither of them could find the net.

In the 35th minute, the visitors got their reward. Chris Clarke played a precise diagonal ball into the path of Salter. His header struck a post and Byerley was alive to the rebound to trap it on the edge of the box and fire the ball into the top corner.

Clarke again created a chance for the Bees with a long-range pass, this time finding Tom Richardson but his shot was saved.

The second half continued in much the same vein with the Bees creating chances but unable to finish them off.

Brislington took advantage of this with 15 minutes to go as the Bridport defence allowed the hosts a simple chance to level the game.

Carter ended his temporary reign in charge of the club with a seven-minute cameo appearance.

“I put a good through ball in,” he remarked. “But no-one was there to finish it.

This could be his last game on and off the pitch with the Bees as Chard Town manager Adam Fricker is set to take over before the start of next season.

However, Carter will weigh up his options before making decisions about his future.

“I’m relieved that it (the season) is finished and I will have a look at my choices over the summer.”

Bees: Hayter (Carter, 83), Clarke, Evans, Hill, Dovell, Beasley, Peach, Richardson (Stewart, 79), Salter, Byerley (Blair, 66). Subs not used: None