ELMORE 2

BRIDPORT 1

BRIDPORT fell victim to an Elmore fightback as their wait for a first South West Peninsula League Premier East win goes on.

Edgar Marcu’s side took a third-minute lead when Callum Arnold crossed for Josh Hunter to bag a header for his second goal in as many games.

However, the Bees were ahead for just eight minutes as Dan Cole found the top corner to equalise for the Eagles.

At 1-1, Bridport thought they had gone 2-1 up when Owen Peart’s vicious effort was parried to Arnold, who scored from an offside position.

READ MORE: Bridport 2-3 Crediton United - match report

Kian Wootton then came to the rescue for the Bees, keeping out a one-on-one opening for the Eagles.

But Bridport could have few complaints about Elmore’s winner, a fierce strike from Lloyd White flashing past Wootton and fizzing in off the post.

Pushing for a leveller in the dying stages, Bridport went agonisingly close to achieving it as Radu Bogdan hit the crossbar.

Speaking post-match, Marcu said: “It’s the same story, in the first half we played some good football sometimes.

“We’re not consistent, that’s the reality. I really believe at the moment we have a lack of a strong mentality, we have to work on that.

“I wouldn’t call it unlucky, they wished for the victory for than us. The players have to understand that if they want to play for Bridport they have to give 110 per cent.

“Even though I’m saying these things, the boys have the ability to win games in a very good manner.

“They have the know-how, the capability, the skills, but they have to work harder.”

Bridport have no game this weekend due to Brixham’s involvement in the FA Cup, meaning the Bees return to action on Tuesday, August 30 at home to Cullompton.

Bees: Wootton, White, Baggs, D Peart (Oliveira 52), Grace, Owen (Mamanta 60), Hereka, O Peart (Howe 59), Arnold, Hunter (Bogdan 58), Ayunga (Greenwood-Neate 53).