DARTMOUTH 2

BRIDPORT 4

BRIDPORT retained their perfect record in the new South West Peninsula League Premier East season but were far from their best despite beating Dartmouth 4-2 away.

The Bees possess the only remaining 100 per cent form in the division but had to battle back from a 2-1 deficit at half-time.

James Deselincourt put Bridport 1-0 down in the 11th minute but the Bees were soon back on level terms when Tom Richardson headed home Dan Baggs’ cross six minutes later.

However, Bridport failed to find any sort of rhythm and found themselves behind again as Deselincourt beat Jordon Scadding in the away goal for a second time on 43 minutes.

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Bridport boss Chris Herbst made two changes at the break, subbing off Baggs and Adam Diaz for Ryan Gall and Ryan Leader.

He then made another double switch on the hour as Jake Owen and Harley Brook came on for James Cox and Kieren Daniels.

The alterations began to jolt Bridport into life but the Bees will be indebted to Sol Ayunga’s performance in this game.

His first-time effort on 66 minutes found the net for 2-2 but his second goal was a wonderful piece of individual skill, chesting down Riley Weedon’s cross, beating two defenders and blasting home.

Herbst reached for Mika Mamanta immediately after going 3-2 up and the substitute sealed the points two minutes from time in a calamitous goal for Dartmouth to concede.

Mamanta closed down the defence and caused further panic when the defender and goalkeeper collided, allowing him to tap in unchallenged from inside the six-yard box.

Herbst said: “The players knew they really got out of jail. Good teams find a way of winning but I don’t want to be doing this all season.”

He added: “I’m really happy with the result but it was one of the worst performances since I’ve been in charge.

“The subs changed the game but it was a fully off day. I can’t put my finger on it, it was like we haven’t played together. The effort was there but it wasn’t falling for us.

“It was lucky Solly turned it on second half.”

Bridport next host Crediton United on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Jo Scadding, Calverley, Cox (Owen 61), Baggs (Gall 46), King, Diaz (Leader 46), Daniels (Brook 61), Parsons, Weedon, Richardson (Mamanta 85), Ayunga.