BRIDPORT 2

ELMORE 5

BRIDPORT twice lost the lead before succumbing to an action-packed 5-2 defeat by Elmore at St Mary’s Field.

Coming into the game, new Bridport boss Chris Herbst labelled the match as a “must-win” and the Bees looked to be responding as Riley Weedon scored a brace.

Weedon’s first goal came in the eighth minute after he rounded the keeper, although Elmore equalised before half-time through Mike Humphreys.

Bridport again started strongly from the kick-off and retook the lead within a minute of the restart as Weedon headed home.

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However, a Jesse Howe screamer into the top corner shifted momentum in Elmore’s direction.

The Eagles capitalised as they scrapped away, too often beating Bridport to second balls, and Humphreys duly scored his second to give Elmore the lead for the first time.

Howe completed his brace for 4-2 and Bridport keeper Jason Hutchings – making his return to the Bees – then committed a foul in the box for a penalty.

That gave Humphreys the chance to seal his hat-trick and he beat Hutchings from the spot to complete a quick turnaround for the visitors, who did the double over the Bees following their 2-1 win earlier in the season.

Post-match Herbst, who has now seen Bridport concede 11 goals in his two official games as boss, said: “At 2-1 it was one of those, I’m lost for words.

“They just followed up on second balls, it’s probably that desire we didn’t have and that’s something that’s seriously got to change.

“It’s the desire to actually win the ball, put your body on the line and go for the 50-50 – get stuck in.

“It’s a massive confidence thing. When we went 2-1 up you could see people get shaky. That’s come from the last few years and why we need to get some experienced players in.”

Commenting on Weedon’s brace, Herbst said: “Good goals, he’s another who’s not been playing that well – he’s told me that.

“For him to get those goals, he was outstanding. It’s good to see. I’m pleased for Riley because he’s played really well and he’ll build on that.”

Bridport have no game this weekend but return to action at home to Royal Wootton Bassett in the FA Vase first round on Saturday, October 22.

Bees: Hutchings, Childs, King, Gall, Greenwood-Neate, Oliveira (Jones 69), Gape, Hereka (Baker 69), Weedon, O Peart, Ayunga (Hunter 73). Subs not used: Morgan, Baggs.

Attendance: 122