BALTI SPORTS 1

BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

BALTI Sports’ hoodoo in cup competitions continued as Bridport Reserves won 2-1 to dump the Weymouth side out of the Dorset Senior Trophy first round.

In winning, Bridport Reserves’ boss Richard Middleton collected his first victory in charge – avenging a 4-2 league defeat at Balti earlier in the season.

For Balti the reality of this loss was stark as the Weymouth College outfit continue to struggle in cup formats.

Defeat came despite a good footballing performance in which Balti constructed some of their best moves of the campaign.

Balti were victims of their own passing philosophy as the Bees stole possession and squirmed the ball to Callum Middleton who thumped past keeper Andy Nott from 20 yards for 1-0.

Five minutes later, Balti were level from the penalty spot.

Rising star Matt Burrows broke through and was brought down in the box for a spot-kick which was converted by Danny Andrews, who sent Bees’ keeper Billy Fleet the wrong way.

Burrows’ pace was proving a handful and he nearly added a second, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside amid loud protests from the home bench.

New Balti signing Sean Stewart dictated play in midfield but Bridport forced Andy Nott to tip over a dipping cross.

Fleet was in fine form to keep the Bees in it with five minutes left, blocking Burrows from a golden one-on-one chance.

Fleet’s intervention proved pivotal as sub Riley Weedon unleashed a gorgeous lob over Nott from 35 yards to win the game in the 89th minute.

Speaking to Echosport, Balti manager Marco Nott said: “Credit to them, they’re a young, good side and got the win they wanted.

“I wasn’t really disappointed with our performance, it’s the best we’ve played all season by far. Sean did make a difference.

“It just wasn’t to be and the hoodoo in the cup continues.”

Richard Middleton said: “It was very enjoyable. We went for it with nothing to lose. We came here a few weeks ago and lost 4-2.

“It was nice to select 10 (players) from the week before and the boys battled hard.

“They gave it their all. That’s all I’ve ever asked from them, to do their best. It was very encouraging to see some of the football that was played.”

Balti next host Sherborne Reserves on Saturday, with the Bees visiting Hamworthy Rec.

Balti: A Nott, Beals, Walker, Taylor, O’Shaughnessy, Stewart, McClements, Stavrianos, Burrows, Andrews (Lane 60), Drummond. Sub not used: Grace

Bees: B Fleet, Ja Scadding, Baggs (Gall 46), Stordy (Legg 75), McAllister, Hoole, H Fleet (Weedon 60), Burwood, C Middleton, Herbst, Hunter.

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