BRIDPORT RESERVES 0 BALTI SPORTS 1

A LATE strike from substitute Josh Houghton ensured Balti Sports made it four wins out of five in the Dorset Premier League this season, with a 1-0 win over Bridport Reserves.

Houghton finished well with just a handful of minutes left on the clock after he ran on to a through ball from fellow replacement Simon Proffitt at St Mary’s Field, in what was a tight contest between the sides.

He struck coolly into the corner to bag three points at St Mary’s Field, but Bees’ chief Shaun Annetts believed his side were hard done by.

He said: “We felt there was a push on Luke King but the referee waved play on. We stopped a little bit, if I’m honest, and expected the whistle to go but it didn’t.

“It just didn’t fall for us nicely in front of goal and we got hit by the killer blow.

“We certainly didn’t deserve to come away from the game with nothing. I think most of the Balti lads felt we deserved to get at least something.

“We were strengthened with one or two of the lads that were in and around the first team, went out with a very good attitude and played very well.

“It was bitterly disappointing but we take a lot of positives from the performance.”

The result leaves the Bees with just four points and one win to their name after their opening six league outings.

Also reflecting on the contest, Balti boss Marco Nott added: “It was a bit of a battle and they didn’t deserve to lose I don’t think, but we showed good character to go out and win the game.

“We defended really well and didn’t look like conceding.

“Ashley Batchelor marked their left winger and he was outstanding.

He stuck with him all day long and had a cracking game.”

Batchelor was part of a Balti rearguard that has only conceded twice in their first five fixtures.

And Nott has had the best view of his defence in action as he continues to deputise in goal for brother Andy.

“I’ve only conceded two goals in five games, which is unbelievable.

I will quite happily hand the gloves back over when Andy (Nott) gets back,” he added.

“I haven’t really had that much to do really, the back four this season have put in a great effort. They have been outstanding.”

Balti: M Nott, Pearce, Anderson, Burton, Batchelor, Devaney (Lock), Litherland, May (Proffitt), Kenderdine, Nichols, Lane (Houghton).

Bees: Cleal, Herbst, Day (Stordy), King, Hill, Gale, Peach, Neale (Fleet), Blair, Bulman, Richardson. Sub not used: Jones

Balti man of the match: Ashley Batchelor

  • Bridport travel to Cranborne in a crunch clash this Saturday, while Balti, who are expected to be missing some key players, host Blandford United in search of three wins in a row (both 3pm).