SHEPTON MALLET 7

BRIDPORT 0

BRIDPORT endured a sobering night at Shepton Mallet with a 7-0 loss in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

Mallet look one of the early teams to beat having seen off Cadbury Heath 6-0 in their previous game.

However, the Bees have now conceded 14 goals in two games and expect a difficult season as the big rebuilding job at St Mary’s Field continues.

Mallet were well in control of this contest in the first 20 minutes, going 3-0 up.

The Somerset side opening the scoring in the sixth minute when Jack Fillingham squared a header for Nathan Legge to bury a finish past Bridport keeper Josh Hadley.

Sub Joe Morgan, on for the injured Conrad Peck, bagged a second as the referee ignored cries for a penalty.

READ MORE: Bridport 1-7 Helston Athletic - match report

Mallet extended their lead when Fillingham flicked a corner on perfectly for centre-back George Morris-Edwards to finish.

Morgan was involved again when he crossed for Dawid Regula to make it four, and Shepton had a fifth when Fillingham’s cheeky backheel set up Morgan for his brace.

Bridport responded when Riley Greenwood-Neate fizzed a long-range effort just over Mallet keeper Tom Easterbrook’s bar.

Mallet had two goals ruled out for offside as the Bridport defence caught the hosts out, but the scoreline became 6-0 when Regula blasted an unstoppable shot home from 30 yards.

After the break, Hadley saved superbly from Fin Wilkinson’s rasping free-kick, tipping the effort onto the post.

Hadley was called upon again to deny Legge, while sub Alessandro Costanza also tested the young Bees custodian.

Bridport could only put together rare attacks, one such move yielding a sizzling Riley Weedon volley, although Easterbrook was unmoved.

But Shepton went seven up in the 89th minute as skipper Nick Hewlett converted a corner at the far post.

Speaking to Echosport, Bridport boss Rob Marquis admitted his young side were learning “the hard way” in a tough division.

He said: “We were a lot better in the second half – we asked for a draw in the second half and but for one unfortunate goal we would’ve got it.

“It was one of those games. We were off it in the first half, a bit panicky.

“They were quite clinical and we’re learning the hard way.

“When we lost possession, because we were going up the hill, they were transitioning very quickly into spaces.

“They were exploiting space very well and picking up the bits. They know how to play their slope but that’s not an excuse.

“They’re going to be a top-six side and it’s an unfortunate start for us. We’re rebuilding and we’ve got players out with Covid, it’s difficult.”

Bridport host Combined Counties Premier side Fleet Town in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Hadley, Hawker (Baker 60), Ja Scadding, Hansford, Hastings, Owen, Greenwood-Neate (Burwood 65), Hill, Baggs (Blango 75), Weedon, Carlile. Subs not used: Gall, McNamara.

Referee: Mike O'Donovan

Attendance: 139