Odd Down (Bath) 4

Bridport FC 2

A CONTROVERSIAL 2nd half penalty was the turning point as Bridport FC lost 4-2 against Odd Down AFC.

Defeat made it four losses on the bounce for Fricker’s side who have now conceded 10 goals in their last five.

The game got off to the worst possible start when the visitors tried to play out from the back, only to be caught in possession and punished inside the first few minutes.

As the game settled down so did Bridport with Oscar Latas going close from eight yards out while Ed Butcher was a constant threat down the left flank.

The Bees’ made their dominance count early in the 2nd half when a long ball was played through to the onrushing Butcher who squared for Latas to get a much-deserved equaliser.

Things started to go against the away side when a curling 25 yard effort gave Odd Down the lead, before the match hit a vital turning point.

A fizzed effort struck Braeden Symes in the penalty area, and failing to escape the shot's path from three yards away, the referee awarded the penalty which was duly converted.

With the wind knocked out of the visitors sails, Odd Down snatched a fourth leaving Bridport’s belief in tatters.

But all credit goes to Fricker’s side who rallied to the death and were given consolation as Leigh Bailey played in Richard Hebditch who finished neatly to ensure Bridport came out of the game with the plaudits they deserved.

Speaking of the penalty decision, Fricker said: “It was a game changer because it knocked the steam out of us.

“When the ball is played against you from three yards you can’t do anything about it.

He added: “The ref all but admitted he got it wrong after the game when I asked for an explanation, but unfortunately it means nothing for us.”

Despite the decision, Bridport kept fighting and the boss was keen to praise the attitude of his young squad.

He said: “Credit to the lads because they worked really hard from the first minute to the last, and even at 4-1 they didn’t give up.

“Even at 4-2 we still created opportunities where we could have got back into it.

“If we keep playing like that between now and the end of the season then we’ll be delighted.

“At the end of the day, I know they’re doing the right things, they know they’re doing the right things and if we continue like this the results will come.”

Bridport: Hutchings, Regan, Hill, Martin, Haines, Condliffe, Symes, Bailey, Butcher, Latas, Hebditch

Subs: Hill, Barrett, Hayter.