BLANDFORD UNITED 2 BRIDPORT RESERVES 3

ROBIN Townsend’s bid to turn his side into killer Bees continues following a lucky escape at Blandford United.

Bridport Reserves raced into a three-goal lead in North Dorset but in the end were left hanging on as the Royals mounted a second-half assault.

Michael Hailu put the visitors ahead with a cool finish following a ball over the top before Gary Bulman doubled the advantage with a header.

Tristan Gale then added a third from the spot after a foul on Jack Scovell but when Joe Wells’ deflected free-kick flew past Jamie Fry at the other end it handed Blandford a lifeline.

The hosts made the most of it too by upping the tempo after the break and almost salvaging a point after cutting the deficit to one through Joe Baker with 20 minutes to go.

When asked for his thoughts on the clash, Townsend said: “I don’t really know where to start. “The game really should have been over by half-time.

“We probably had 10 great chances in the first half and only took three of them.

“At 3-0 up we appeared to be in control but they then got one back before upping the tempo after half-time when we started to get over-run.

“We still had plenty of chances on the break but we were not ruthless enough and towards the end we were left holding on.

“We showed great resilience to still come away with the victory but we still need to learn to kill teams off.

“We just seem to be lacking that clinical edge and if that does eventually come I have no doubts we will be there or thereabouts.”

The Bees are now four unbeaten and currently lie sixth in the Magna Dorset Premier League, just three points off the top three.

This Saturday’s assignment will see them entertain Poole Borough at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

Bees: Fry, Stordy, Day, Herbst, C Bulman, Hailu (King 80), McAllister, G Bulman, Steele (Fleet 70), Scovell, Gale (Cummings 75).