Football: Robin Jones strikes late as Bridport deny Portland

PORTLAND UNITED RES 2

BRIDPORT Reserves snatched a stoppage-time equaliser to deprive 10-man Portland United Reserves of all three points in their Dorset Premier League clash at St Mary’s Field.

Portland started brightly and created the first chance when a fierce free-kick was tipped over the bar by Jordan Scadding.

After 17 minutes, the main flashpoint of the game occurred as a superb through ball put Josh Hull through on goal but he appeared to be clipped by the Portland centre-half Tyler Butcher, who received a straight red card.

Portland were now fired up but the remainder of the half fizzled out without incident.

Bridport began the second half well but it was Portland who scored first after 57 minutes when a cute ball from teenager George Carter found Sol Roche in space inside the Bridport box and he finished superbly for 1-0.

The Blues’ lead lasted only six minutes when defender Dean Hyett headed Ryan Leader’s corner across the six-yard box for Robin Jones to tap in from three yards .

Further good chances fell to Hull, Brandon Scadding, Tom Hyde and Jones but a combination of good defending and poor finishing kept the scores level.

To Portland’s credit, they kept Bridport’s defence on their toes regularly and Jordan Scadding also had to make a couple of good saves.

The game looked likely to finish level until the 94th minute when Bridport switched off, allowing Aaron Ryan to squeeze the ball in at the near post with keeper Scadding claiming the ball had not fully crossed the line.

Eventually the goal was given and in the 96th minute Bridport displayed their never-say-die attitude when Jones finished superbly with his left foot to rescue a point.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Bees’ boss Shaun Annetts said: “I’m disappointed because against 10 men you would expect to have the lion’s share.

“We weren’t quite good enough to test the keeper more. That said, Portland defended well and created problems for us.

“I was pleased with my lads at 1-0 and 2-1 down how their desire to get back level was in evidence.

“It’s a point, but we could’ve done with three.”

Annetts’ men return to action on Saturday, December 21 at home to Shaftesbury Town Reserves.

Bees: Jo Scadding, Gall, Hyde (Strelley 65), Hull, Hyett, Jones, Leader, Lowden, Middleton, B Scadding, Ja Scadding (Harvey 75). Sub not used: Hunter