CADBURY HEATH 1 BRIDPORT 1

IAN Hutchinson revealed the search for summer signings is underway as Bridport wrapped up their season with a commendable point at Cadbury Heath.

The Bees chief admitted his squad “need extra quality” if they are to challenge the Toolstation Western League Division One heavyweights next term.

Saturday’s tussle mirrored last weekend’s draw against Roman Glass St George, with the West Dorset outfit making the breakthrough courtesy of Shane Evans only to concede a second-half equaliser.

Hutchinson, who felt this match epitomised his side’s campaign, said: “We went 1-0 up but again were unable to hold on to our lead, which is something we will look at.

“It’s all right going in front but you need to get that second goal to kill off the game and on so many occasions we haven’t been able to do that.

“Not scoring enough goals has been a problem all year and that has stopped us from climbing higher in the table.

“We are going to have a look back at every game and see how many times we’ve not been able to win despite going ahead.”

Hutchinson recruited fit-again pair Chris Senior and Chris Clarke into the back four, replacing Chris Herbst and the injured Gary Bulman.

Knowing that victory would leapfrog them over Dorset adversaries Gillingham Town into 12th, the Bees started brightly and were rewarded with the opener on 25 minutes.

Midfielder Matt Condliffe latched on to Ashley Clarke’s downfield pass before crossing to Evans, who converted his second goal in as many games.

Chances for either side were very much at a premium although a long-range firecracker drew gloveman Lee Cuff into a tremendous fingertip save.

Cadbury, who had reclaimed fourth place in midweek following a 4-0 demolition of Almondsbury, struggled to reproduce the same goal-scoring threat.

But they got back on level terms midway through the second half when a swift counter attack developed after Dan Wise’s free-kick had been hacked clear.

Wholehearted defender Chris Clarke was forced off after aggravating a groin strain, before his namesake Ashley nodded wide of the upright with glory beckoning.

Reflecting on the final episode of an eventful campaign, Hutchinson, whose brief upon arrival was to keep Bridport in the league, added: “I’m disappointed we haven’t been able to jump above Gillingham but in truth we didn’t perform particularly well.

“We didn’t create many clear-cut chances and Cadbury will be disappointed not to get all three points.

“The hard work starts now to try to get a few players in - we need extra quality to go with the youngsters, who I think can do even better next season.

“I want to thank them for their effort because they are a great bunch of lads and on the whole have given 110 per cent all year.”

Bees: Cuff, Hayter, C Clarke (McClements 75), Lock, Senior, Coggins, Condliffe, Fleet, Evans, A Clarke, Wise Attendance: 75