BRIDPORT 2

BRISLINGTON 2

BRIDPORT scored a late equaliser to earn a thoroughly merited 2-2 draw with Brislington in their Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash at St Mary’s Field.

It means the Bees now move on to four points and prolong their spell in Step 5 for another week.

To avoid the drop, Bridport face the unlikely task of having to win all their remaining six games and hope that third-bottom side Street take no more points from their 10 final matches.

With that situation in mind, Bridport are resigned to their fate and afforded themselves big celebrations when Dan Baggs’ 87th-minute penalty hit the back of the net.

READ MORE: Tavistock 6-0 Bridport - match report

The Bees can be excused for welcoming this draw as if it were a victory – especially after turning in arguably their best performance of the season.

Keeper Josh Lucas was forced into an early save before the hosts took the lead, Callum Arnold clinically firing home after a concerted spell of Bees pressure.

Raul Vasile and Arnold had chances to extend the lead but Brislington punished them when Joe McLennan’s emphatic 18-yard shot cannoned in off the post.

Harry Boulton shot wide moments into the second half but McLennan bent home Brislington’s second shortly afterwards in a highly entertaining contest.

Scott Lewis headed wide for the Foxes but Bridport deservedly earned a point when Boulton was tripped by away keeper George Dorrington for a penalty.

Up stepped substitute Baggs, making his comeback from a hip injury, to convert the spot-kick and send the loyal home crowd wild.

Post-match, caretaker boss Annetts said: “It felt even more than a victory, if I’m honest.

“We played well. I tried to give the players confidence that we could get something out of the game – there was no reason why we couldn’t.

“They responded. To a man, everyone was outstanding and we deserved at least a draw. 

“First half we created four chances, more than we have done for many weeks. We played some nice football in patches, which was great.

“I’m absolutely thrilled for everybody involved with the club, the players especially, and for the fans that have turned up most weeks.

“It was a good game for a neutral.”

Bridport also handed debuts to new recruits Hanad Habiil and Ollie Buchanan.

Bees: Lucas, Radivojsa, Greenwood-Neate, Hawker, A Steele, Vasile, Habiil (Buchanan 75), Burwood, Hill, Boulton, Arnold (Baggs 70). 

Attendance: 82