BRIDPORT 3

AXMINSTER TOWN 4

SPIRITED Bridport gave a much-improved performance but ultimately came up short 4-3 against a strong Axminster Town side in the Walter C Parson Funeral Directors League Cup first round.

Bosley Yu put the Bees ahead in the 19th minute from a counter-attack as the forward rounded the Axminster keeper and finished to the delight of the home crowd.

However, the Tigers roared back as Jamie Price scored a double to give the visitors a 2-1 half-time lead.

Bridport went 3-1 down from the spot when Craig Veal stepped up to score, despite big protests from the home bench.

READ MORE: Bridport assistant James Lukosius exits club

Bridport then notched the goal of the game when Owen Peart unleashed a 30-yard screamer into the top corner to halve the Bees’ deficit.

In a thrilling cup tie, Axminster then made it 4-2 when Veal grabbed his brace but Bridport were not about to lie down.

Substitute Josh Hunter scored with seven minutes remaining and nearly bagged an equaliser at the death, only for the Tigers to scramble his effort away off the line.

Bridport host high-flying Okehampton Argyle on Saturday as South West Peninsula League Premier East action returns to St Mary’s Field (3pm).

Jordon Scadding, Bridport's keeper against Axminster, is expected to make his first league appearance of the season for the first team in place of injured goalkeeper Callum Smalley, with Kian Wootton dropping down to the reserves.