BRIDPORT 2 BUCKLAND ATHLETIC 3

BRIDPORT relinquished a 2-1 lead to end up 3-2 losers to Buckland Athletic in their Toolstation Western League Premier League clash at St Mary’s Field.

Buckland’s victory was their second in as many days after defeating Street to make the Les Phillips Cup final, marking the halfway point in a horrific run of four back-to-back games.

After a scramble in the box, Oscar Latas had given the Bees a 19th-minute lead when lifting the ball over advancing Bucks’ keeper Dan Gillard.

The visitors levelled just before half-time when ex-Weymouth man Chris McPhee slammed home but Bridport again took the lead after the break when Matt Condliffe’s whipped cross forced an own goal, before Athletic staged a stirring riposte.

A well-worked goal got them back on level terms, Charlie Johansen finishing into the far corner.

But Bridport then gave possession away, allowing Nick Rudge to punish the hosts as the promotion-chasing side sealed all three points.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, Bees’ boss Adam Fricker said: “It was always going to be a tough game and it was frustrating because we deserved more than what we got, but that’s football.

“They had four or five that played the night before and were able to bring in Southern League players which makes the difference.”

Bees: Hutchings, Andrews, Rutter, McGrath (Peach 55), Condliffe, Martin, Thomas (Cornish 70), Latas, Hebditch, Butcher, Salter. Sub not used: Smith