BRIDPORT 2

BISHOPS LYDEARD 1

BRIDPORT preserved their 100 per cent home league record with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bishops Lydeard in South West Peninsula League Premier East.

The Bees’ win also brought an end to a mini blip in which Bridport first lost their perfect record in a 1-1 draw at Cullompton before losing their unbeaten record after a 4-3 defeat at Stoke Gabriel.

Despite missing six regular first-teamers, Bridport still managed to dictate play early on and deservedly went ahead.

The opener was made by the red-hot Sol Ayunga, involved in both goals on the night, as he charged down the wing and squared for Brad Rowe to cap a fine move.

READ MORE: Cullompton Rangers 1-1 Bridport - report

Bishops Lydeard were always in the contest, belying their second-from-bottom league placing, and were level on 24 minutes.

Lydeard built a patient move and Jack Taylor timed his run to perfection, meeting a cross from the right to beat Jordon Scadding with a crisp finish.

Rowe nearly grabbed a second two minutes later, but for a good save from Danny Fletcher, and Ayunga then forced a magnificent stop from the Bishops’ keeper on the cusp of half-time.

In the second half, Fred Parsons went close three times for Bridport, his best effort working Fletcher into a solid low save to his left.

But Ayunga was proving the big difference between the sides and, on the hour, he grabbed his sixth goal of the season.

Jake Childs and Kieren Daniels exchanged passes and the latter’s gut-busting run to the byline allowed him to cut back where Ayunga was waiting to pounce with a clinical side-foot finish for 2-1.

However, Lydeard were far from beaten and will possibly feel they should have taken a point thanks to a stirring effort in the final 20 minutes.

Scadding had to tip wide a goalbound shot while the visitors volleyed another chance over.

Into the third minute of added time and Adam Willis nearly levelled with a shot on the turn that whistled past the post, Bridport breathing a sigh of relief as they narrowly closed out the win.

Post-match, Bees’ assistant Mark Lock said: “It was excellent, one of those games where we at times didn’t play that well but we forced it out and got the win.

“Sometimes you’ve got to stay in the game and take your chances, that’s what we did.

“When you play those sorts of games and find a way to win, that’s what we’ve got to do more of.”

Bridport host Bovey Tracey in league action on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Jo Scadding, Owen, Mansley (Carlile 53), Gall, Brook, Childs, Parsons, Daniels, Richardson, Rowe (Coombs 80), Ayunga.

Attendance: 172