BUCKLAND ATHLETIC 3 BRIDPORT 2

BUCKLAND grabbed a late winner to deny the Bees a share of spoils at Homers Heath on Saturday.

The hosts appeared to be in for a comfortable afternoon at the break at 2-0 up but Bridport fought back and looked set for a draw until a dramatic strike on 88 minutes left them broken- hearted.

Bees’ boss Trevor Senior said: “In the first half they were the better side but we knew at the break that if we played anything like we did in the previous two games we would stand every chance in the second half and so it proved.

“We came back out a lot more positive and caused them quite a few problems but despite getting back level they managed to grab a late winner.

“It was a shame we came away with nothing because I felt we deserved something but once again there were a lot of positives, particularly in the second half.

“We have now scored nine goals in our last three games and we are not far away.

“We just need to cut out the odd mistake and have a little more belief, and we will be there.”

Going on to comment on the main incidents in the game, Senior added: “Their first came from a throw-in. We failed to stop the cross and one of their lads managed to glance a header into the far corner.

“We then had a couple of chances before they grabbed a second. This time they got to the byline and pulled the ball back across the face of goal where one of their players managed to tuck it away at the second attempt.

“Sam Filkins also made a good save down to his right and Sam Buckler pulled off a great defensive clearance so they deserved their lead at the break but in the second half we responded.

“Ben Clarke, who went close twice in the first half, made it 2-1 by finding the top corner with the outside of his right foot before a handball in the box saw Dan Wise equalise from the penalty spot.

“Dean Ritchie, Ryan Dovell and Sam Buckler also went close in that spell but Buckland then came back into it and ended up grabbing a third after going close just moments earlier.

“It was disappointing to lose but like I said there were some good performances. Sam Buckler in particular was outstanding.”

Bridport, who now lie 10th in the Toolstation Western Premier League, are back in action tomorrow night when they face Chickerell United in the Dorset Senior Cup (7.45pm).

Bees: Filkins, Evans, Morgan (Hailu 89), S Buckler, M Buckler, Hayter, Luke (Ritchie 46), Wise, Dovell, B Clarke, Legg. Sub not used: Rowe.