CLEVEDON TOWN 3

BRIDPORT 1

BRIDPORT rued errors at costly times as second-placed Clevedon Town recorded a 3-1 home victory over the Bees in their Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash.

Jamie Manley’s Bees performed better than the scoreline suggests, however the result leaves them second bottom with seven defeats from eight games.

Bridport showed quality in their passing, dominating the opening exchanges, but failing to find a final ball.

Clevedon’s Syd Camper nodded against the bar as the hosts squandered the first big chance.

Dec Cornish was then unlucky not to put the Bees 1-0 up, darting inside and striking the post with Lewis Clarke's follow-up disallowed after fouling the covering defender.

Clevedon hit the woodwork for a second time when Morgan Davies’ blistering 30-yard strike rattled the post, with the rebound nestling in the net for 1-0.

Bridport felt aggrieved when Clevedon made it 2-0 just before half-time as Cornish lay injured on the floor.

Jay Murray’s delicious scoop turn helped set the chance up, before Camper fired past Jordon Scadding.

Bridport lacked cutting edge in the final third during the second half and went 3-0 down when Scadding missed a punch, allowing Elliott Nicholson to sweep home.

To their credit, Bridport added a consolation in the 90th minute when Riley Weedon’s fine ball teed up Clarke to bury a good finish.

Speaking post-match, Bees boss Jamie Manley felt the outcome was deceptive, praising his players for their display.

“I don’t think the scoreline reflects the game too much,” he said.

“We played really well, we just got punished at the wrong times. It’s a hard one to take.

“We started really well and dictated play, in my opinion. We got the ball down and passed it really nicely; we kept the ball.

“But our final ball when we get into good areas just lets us down at times.

“All in all, I was pretty pleased. No-one likes losing but with what I’ve seen the last few games I’m not downhearted because the lads played well.”

Bees: Jo Scadding, Haines, Bowditch, Owen, Hastings, Gape (Westlake 60), Weedon, C Middleton (Damaschin 80), Clarke, Sayers, Cornish. Sub not used: Holmes.

Attendance: 112