TAVISTOCK 2

Annear, Cross

BRIDPORT 0

BRIDPORT delivered a much-improved display against in-form Tavistock but could not deny their hosts a 2-0 victory in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

Having lost 9-2 and 9-0 in consecutive games to Street and Bradford Town respectively, Bridport have begun to show shoots of recovery.

The Bees’ heart and application were in no short supply against the Lambs, whose 6-1 thrashing of Exmouth last Saturday was just one of several impressive results since gaining promotion last season.

As expected, Tavistock started the brighter and hemmed Bridport in with numerous crosses.

Bridport eventually settled and began to pressurise Tavistock – strikers Lewis Clarke and Tony Pinder leading from the front with their work ethic.

However, Tavistock managed to erode the Bees’ resistance as Jordan Annear nipped in front of a hesitant Scott Wells-Burr, lobbing the stricken keeper to make it 1-0 against the run of play.

Bridport knuckled down and produced some excellent passing football which conjured a number of chances, notably when Pinder was denied by a fabulous flying stop from the Lambs’ goalkeeper.

After the break, the Bees continued to create and saw Will Gape spurn a magnificent chance, skying his effort over the bar.

It took until the dying embers for Tavistock to double their lead, stemming from a series of Bridport corners.

The Lambs cleared their lines and won a corner of their own. While Bridport headed the delivery clear, Ben Cross was on hand to fire and 25-yard sizzler low past Wells-Burr to seal victory.

Bridport assistant-manager Kevin Leigh admitted there had been positive signs despite a fourth straight loss.

He said: “All in all, we’re nothing but pleased with the squad. That’s how they’ve got to play week in, week out.

“They’ve got to play with the desire that comes with playing for Bridport Football Club.”

He added: “They started off well but we grew into it and we gave them a great game. We played for 90 minutes, which was pleasing as well.

“They’re a very good side if you allow them to play, so we pressurised them in all areas.

“We had Lewis and Tony up top and they were superb. They’re a good two up front for us – Pinder worked really, really hard.

“It was frustrating to lose 2-0. Not that I like losing, but it would’ve been better to have lost (1-0) on the reflection of the game.”

Bees: Wells-Burr, Gall, Holmes, Butcher, Salter, Cornish (Charles 60), Warren, Gape, Westlake, Clarke (Friend 75), Pinder. Sub not used: Coombs.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil