BRIDPORT RES 2

SHERBORNE TOWN RES 3

BRIDPORT Reserves were dealt a blow as Sherborne Town Reserves moved off the foot of the table with a 3-2 victory at St Mary’s Field.

More work was necessary to the very soft Bees’ pitch prior to kick-off and, with the hosts affected by first-team call-ups, unavailability, suspension and illness and it was clear to see that Sherborne were up for the challenge on a ground on which Lady Luck has favoured them down the years.

As stout defence dominated the opening half, it was the Zebras who took the lead against the run of play after 37 minutes. Sherborne found themselves outside the Bridport box in a central position and Bridport were slow to close down the striker whose shot was parried up in the air by Jordan Scadding and over the line.

The second half worsened for the Bees as a defensive mistake gifted Sherborne a tap-in at the far post for 2-0.

After giving themselves another mountain to climb, Bridport began to push Sherborne back.

Bridport then pulled a goal back after 53 minutes as a cross from the right-hand side found skipper Brandon Scadding in space to drill a volley home.

The goal invigorated Bridport, who deservedly levelled the score after 68 minutes when Robin Jones was brought down in the box after some silky footwork.

Riley Weedon, returning after a two-match suspension, duly stepped up and slotted the spot-kick past the keeper for 2-2.

Bridport failed to find a killer third goal and Sherborne used their physical advantage to retake the lead as Matt Watson looped a header from a free-kick over Jordan Scadding on 81 minutes.

Bridport saw Weedon hit the post in the final 10 minutes while chances for Ryan Leader, Tom Hyde, Tony Carlile and Jones also went begging as the Bees slumped to defeat.

Bees’ boss Shaun Annetts said: “Sherborne looked at the league table and targeted the game to get themselves a result.

“I was aware of that but on the day we weren’t quite good enough to stop that happening.

“I’m bitterly disappointed with the end result. It undoes the good that we did the week before.”

Annetts’ men visit Corfe Castle on Saturday (2pm).

Bees: Jo Scadding, Ja Scadding, Strelley, Carlile, Lowden, Leader, B Scadding, C Middleton, Weedon, Mamanta (Hyde 65), Jones. Subs not used: James, J Middleton