ODD DOWN 4

BRIDPORT 1

BRIDPORT’S run of good form ended with a 4-1 loss at Odd Down in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

The Bees were looking to make it three wins in eight days following respective 4-3 and 2-0 victories over St Austell and Bridgwater.

However, Jamie Manley’s men found the Bath-based side in no mood to relent to the form book as the Somerset outfit claimed their first triumph in four games.

Defeat at Down was based on a poor first hour in which Bridport created very little.

Bridport did hang in for 35 minutes before Tom Burgess beat the offside trap and slotted past Jordon Scadding.

An immediate headed goal after half-time from William Hunter doubled Down’s advantage before Joseph Jarvis made it 3-0.

Bridport responded by making three substitutions on the hour as Antony Carlile, Max Westlake and Leon Wood came on.

The trio helped turn the tide and Carlile smuggled the ball into the corner of the Down net shortly after his introduction for 3-1.

Westlake then crossed for Kris Hastings, the tall striker heading against the home woodwork.

Bees’ captain Luke King hit the post and Carlile had a shot cleared off the line as Bridport tried with all their might to reduce the deficit.

Their efforts finally proved their downfall as Down capitalised on the vast spaces caused by several Bees players in attack, breaking upfield for Dylan Hatt to turn home for 4-1.

Post-match, Bridport assistant boss Kevin Leigh revealed his frustration at the Bees’ lack of creativity in the opening portion of the game.

“I’m disappointed with the performance, really, especially in the first half,” he said.

“Sometimes this happens after you have a couple of good results. (The players) didn’t look as fresh as they did against Bridgwater.

“We played Liam Sayers and Kris Hastings up top but Liam was carrying an injury, he’s pulled his quad. At half-time he said he was struggling. He couldn’t do what he wanted to do.

“We weren’t at the races first half – they started very well and we didn’t create anything. That was disappointing, especially after the last two games.”

Bridport travel to Exmouth Town on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Bees: Jo Scadding, King, Holmes, Butcher, Haines, Gape, Leader (Westlake 60), Owen (Wood 60), Cornish, Sayers (Carlile 60), Hastings.

Attendance: 64