ADAM Fricker felt his side deserved more after they lost 3-1 in the Les Phillips Cup to Willand Rovers despite leading until the closing exchanges.

A throw-in from new recruit James Regan found a home head before settling in the back of the net as the Bees went ahead. After taking the lead midway through the first half, the Bees defended stoutly until the hosts scored three late goals.

They came from Brett Worbey, Ian Patchett and former Dorchester Town defender Jamil Roberts.

After the game, the Bridport manager told Echosport: “It was frustrating. We defended resolutely and played some nice football at times.

“We just weren’t clinical enough and that is what separates those top-six sides from the rest of the league.”

Despite the result, it was the visitors who took the lead in an unorthodox fashion. New signing Regan launched a long throw into the box and a Willand head directed it into the goal.

From then on the Bees defended well and countered when they could. It proved a solid tactic as Mark Salter and Ed Butcher both spurned chances when well placed.

The best of these came through Butcher, who saw his shot saved by the Willand keeper.

Fricker added: “I said to the players after the game that on a couple of occasions I felt we picked the wrong option. But, there are major positives to take from the game.”

The sides met earlier in the season where Rovers won 2-1 on their home patch. And, it took them until the 75th minute to equalise with a shot that deflected over the helpless Jason Hutchings.

The second came soon after before Bridport were denied a penalty in the last minute.

That may have been late but, there was still enough time for the hosts to net their third with the last kick of the game.

There were some positives to be taken from the game, namely through Bridport’s new signings.

The boss added: “Oscar Latas played and was excellent.

“Regan looked really good as well at full-back and he got forward well too.”

Sol Ayunga, who was meant to join the Bees on loan from Dorchester, was meant to be part of the squad for the cup game however, the county town management have decided to keep him at the Avenue.

Bees: J Hutchings, Regan, Haines, Hayter, Martin, Rutter (Mann 45), Peach, Symes, Latas (D Hutchings 75), Butcher, Salter. Sub not used: Fricker

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