Opening-day loss for reserves (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Opening-day loss for reserves

8:47am Wednesday 15th August 2012 in The Bees By Adam Summers

HOLT UNITED 3 BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

STEVE Crabb could not fault his side’s efforts despite going down to Holt United at Petersham Lane.

The Bees, depleted by injuries and unavailabilities, fought to the bitter end but were unable to scrape a draw as the Bulls claimed the points on the opening day of the season.

Crabb said: “It was disappointing to lose but we had quite a few players missing and the effort the lads put in was superb.

“We had a decent spell in the first half but they then scored early in the second and after that we played second fiddle for 15 minutes.

“They then doubled their lead before we went straight up the other end and grabbed one back with a fine lob from Ashley Clarke.

“Unfortunately though, having got ourselves back in it, we then let in a third with five minutes to go.

“Adam Steele made it 3-2 with a volley from 20 yards but we could not force an equaliser in the closing stages.”

Crabb went on to add: “At 3-1 the lads could have easily chucked in the towel but they kept going and deserve huge credit for that.

“Holt has always been a difficult place to go but we battled throughout and I certainly could not fault anyone for a lack of effort. It is just disappointing to start the season with a defeat.”

The Bees face another tricky away day at Swanage Town & Herston on Saturday but Crabb is confident they can bounce back.

He said: “Swanage is another tough trip but at least we are getting them out the way early and as long as we show the same type of commitment as we did at Holt we will stand every chance of getting a result.”

Bees: Fry, Stordy, Rowe, Day, Pinkham, Williams (Farley 70), Fleet, Cummings, Steele, Clarke, Gale.