HAMWORTHY RECREATION 4

BRIDPORT RESERVES 3

BRIDPORT Reserves almost pulled off an incredible comeback from 4-0 down at Hamworthy Rec before being edged out 4-3 in their DPL Cup semi-final.

For Chris Herbst’s men, the disappointment came after losing at the same stage of the Dorset Senior Trophy in a 3-1 reverse to Sturminster Newton.

But the Bees’ second string can be proud of their efforts against Ham Rec, who are destined to win the Jewson Dorset Premier League this year by a distance and could be promoted to Step 6.

Rec showed their class in a dazzling first half, taking a 3-0 lead into the break.

READ MORE: Bridport Reserves 5-2 Poole Borough - match report

Carl Edwards set Rec on their way 12 minutes in, before Jack Satterley made it 2-0 soon afterwards.

Bridport looked to be weathering the storm until half-time but were caught out by a goal on 44 minutes.

Keeper Adam Tong’s kick upfield found its way to Edwards who beat Bees keeper Jordon Scadding for 3-0.

Despite a Bridport resurgence in the second half, Jake Kelly managed to bag a fourth on the hour – but there was little indication at the time of how crucial it would prove.

Bridport finally got the goal they had been threatening when Alfie Ward scored in a goalmouth scramble.

And Riley Weedon's lovely finish made it 4-2 with 15 minutes to go, cutting inside and firing past Tong.

Ward really set Rec nerves jangling with 10 minutes remaining as he scored a scrappy third from close range.

Bridport did have a bizarre chance for 4-4 late on as Tong’s attempted clearance clattered into the back of sub Harley Brook’s head and narrowly evaded the goal.

It meant Bridport fell agonisingly short of what would have been a giant comeback.

Herbst said: “Absolutely gutted. It’s annoying because the four goals we conceded were errors. We didn’t play badly in the first half.

“Then second half we changed formation, had a go at them and got three. Some of the Ham Rec players said it felt like a loss. They’re the best team in the league by far.

“We can’t give the best team in the league four goals headstart and then try and get back in the game.”

Bridport Reserves return to league action at home to Swanage this Saturday (3pm), the Swans currently on an eight-game losing streak.

Bees: Jo Scadding, Radivojsa, Baker, Day (McAllister 65), Ja Scadding, Adler, Etherington, Ward, Gape, Weedon, Hunter (Brook 65).