BRIDPORT 1

Butcher 22

SHORTWOOD UNITED 1

Matthews 33

BRIDPORT were pegged back by bottom side Shortwood United in a disappointing 1-1 Toolstation Western League Premier Division draw at St Mary’s Field.

Shortwood, who before last weekend had only picked up three points all season, now have seven following a 1-0 win over Westbury United and this battling point against the Bees.

The Woods are still mathematically in the hunt to survive with eight games left, although a big streak of wins is required to achieve that unlikely prospect.

Bridport were rocked by an injury to experienced defender Chris McGrath early on, before Ed Butcher lashed home a 22nd-minute free-kick to give his side the advantage.

Butcher’s third goal in four games since returning from a short spell with Street was nearly added to in identical fashion, only for the gal to be ruled out for offside.

And the Bees were raging further when Shortwood levelled on 33 minutes, Jack Gardner chasing down a lost cause wide on the right to cross superbly for Levi Matthews to bury a finish from six yards past Jason Hutchings.

In the second half, Bridport blitzed the Shortwood goal to no avail.

Kameron Andrews saw a rasping drive tipped over by keeper Adam Clarke, while Butcher spurned three chances before Mark Salter shot over from 10 yards.

Leighton Thomas was also denied twice on the goalline and there was further drama as Luke King’s excellent header was chalked off for offside on 85 minutes.

Bridport next host Wimborne Town on Tuesday in Dorset Senior Cup semi-final action (7.45pm).

Bees: Hutchings, Condliffe, Martin, Symes, King, McGrath (Morris 14), Thomas, Andrews, Salter, Clark (Handyside 83), Butcher (Weedon 88).

Subs not used: Gall, Hull