DEPLETED Bridport closed their Toolstation Western League Divis-ion One campaign with defeat at the hands of Clevedon United.

The Bees, who have been struggling with availa- bility during the run-in, took a weakened team to the Somerset club's Hand Stadium.

And despite working hard and fighting for every ball the quality of their hosts proved too much as they slipped 3-1 behind by half-time and finished 4-2 down.

Bridport boss Paul Hammond said: "We had an even more weakened side than we had at Portishead.

"Jon Ritchie wasn't available, Martin Underhay was struggling with his shoulder so sat on the bench and Chris Skinner had to pull out at the last minute due to work commitments.

"It was really, really difficult. Obviously having Nick (Carroll) back I thought we would be stronger in goal but he came off at half-time."

"Going forward with Ben Clarke back we looked good but the back four looked really vulnerable," he added.

"Callum (Ross-Jennins) and Richard Jackson were both back from holidays. They played in the centre of midfield but looked short of fitness and match sharpness.

"I was pleasantly surprised with a few of the lads, including Scott Walker, Steve Walker and Lewis Conning who are all very young.

"But we got hit from set-pieces and for me that is just experience. It does tell when you have young players like that at the back."

Kevin Cosham fired Clevedon in front after just five minutes with a superb effort from just outside the box.

Bridport striker Ben Clarke hit back midway through the half when he reacted quickest to a defensive error and tucked the ball past home stopper Mark Selway.

But despite Clarke's leveller the Bees were behind again seconds later when Ben Murray took advantage of some indecision in Bridport's defence.

And they slipped further behind when Steve Lester scored the goal of the game after the half-hour mark.

Bridport goalkeeper Nick Carroll, who had pulled a hamstring in the warm up, could not continue after the break, so was replaced by his manager.

Clarke's strike partner Francis Hammond reduced arrears again before Russ Gregory made the points safe for Clevedon.

Hammond said: "As a manager and a player you look around the dressing room and know when you have got enough to win the game.

"Unfortunately we had too many players without experience at this level."

Bees: Carroll (Hammond 45mins), Bulman, Conning, Steve Walker, Scott Walker, Ross-Jennins, Jackson, Wise, Clarke, F Hammond, Gale