Dorchester Res 1, Bridport Res 1

BRIDPORT showed a character and team spirit not normally associated with reserve sides in a Dorset Premier League match that was entertaining, hard-fought but never quite reached the heights.

Three marginal decisions all went against the Bees. First Liam McGlynn, the Dorchester centre-forward, was booked for a wild lunge on goalkeeper Chris Ryland when a sending-off seemed more likely.

In the second-half, referee Vincent adjudged Ryland to have handled outside his area when kicking from hand. McGlynn added salt to the wound by scoring from the free kick.

Finally, Chris Armstrong, a pacey substitute, broke clear of the Dorchester defence to net - only to be pulled back by a linesman's flag.

This came after Simon Gale had equalised for the Bees from a clever pass by Darren Stewart.

The first half was high-paced but neither side had the guile to unlock strong defences. Dorchester just edged the first half but the second period was dominated by Bridport.

Dan Claxton in the Dorchester goal was kept busy throughout and made several fine saves to deny Bridport.

Conceding a goal midway through the half served only to raise Bridport's game further and they were level within two minutes.

Despite remaining on top, the Bees were unable to force a winner which their overall performance just about deserved.

Player-manager Kevin Donovan refused to pick out individuals from what was a good team effort.

"Everyone worked very hard and contributed to a good afternoon out," he said. "We are competitive now and my job really is to keep us at this level while making sure everyone in the squad can enjoy themselves and feel wanted by the club.

"I thought the officials did well overall. We've had close decisions go for us this season so it's going to be evened up at some time.

"It's too easy to whinge at referees but so far they've all been honest and done their best and certainly made fewer mistakes in a game than I do."

Bridport Res: Ryland, Cadman, Lock, Smith, Taylor, Stewart, Aplin, Gilmour (Thomas 70), Richards, Underhay (Armstrong 75), S Gale. Sub not used: Cuff.