LARKHALL ATHLETIC 1 BRIDPORT 1

BRIDPORT’S seven-game un-beaten run in the Toolstation Premier Division came to an end at the high-flying Larks on Saturday.

The Bees, who were without star striker Ryan Dovell due to work commitments, matched the league leaders for long periods but eventually fell to a 4-1 defeat.

To rub further salt in the wounds they also lost goalkeeper Sam Filkins to a straight red card in the closing stages.

Reflecting on the game, Brid-port boss Trevor Senior said: “The result was not a true ref-lection of the game.

“We got off to the worst possible start by going behind after just two minutes.

“Instead of looking forward at kick-off, we passed it back to Sam and when he cleared it, they ended up robbing us, which then led to Ryan Hayter bringing one of their lads down in the box.

“They stuck away the penalty to go 1-0 up, but to be fair, we then got back into the game and played some good football against a strong wind.

“Sam had one smart save to make but apart from that they didn’t really threaten us until later in the half.

“We got back to 1-1 with a good finish from Darren Watts and could have had another one with Matt Condliffe and Tom Rich-ardson both going close.

“Then, right before half-time, Shane Evans tried to see a ball out for a goal-kick and, when it didn’t reach, it allowed one of their lads to gain possession.

“The ball then came across and they scored at the second attempt before grabbing another from a corner just two or three minutes later.

“We felt Sam had been fouled but it wasn’t given and, when the ball got headed back across goal, there was one of their players to nod it home at the far post.

“To come in 3-1 down after two late goals like that was hard to take but, with the wind behind us in the second half, we still felt we could get back in it.”

He continued: “After the break we were pretty much camped in their half. Matt Condliffe and Dan Wise both threatened before Matt Morley went close with a volley.

“Either side of the keeper and it would have gone in but instead it went straight at him.

“Matt Condliffe then had another effort saved before they killed it on 80 minutes with another header at the far post.

“To make matters worse, Sam then came out to clear a headed back-pass, only to miss the ball and catch their player instead.

“The referee showed him a straight red card but we felt that was a bit harsh.

“Not only was the game over at that point but we felt Shane and Jamie Filkins were round cov-ering anyway.

“The fact we are going to lose Sam through suspension now is a blow and overall the game was just a bit disappointing.”

Larkhall remain unbeaten in the league and sit four points clear at the summit while the Bees now lie 10th.

Bees: S Filkins, J Filkins (Hill 84), Condliffe, Evans, Watts, Hayter, Luke, Wise, Richardson, M Buckler, Morley (Staines 68). Sub not used: C Clarke.