HONITON TOWN 2

BRIDPORT 1

BRIDPORT suffered their first away defeat since mid-February as Honiton Town came from behind to win their derby contest at Honiton Sports and Social Club.

Chris Herbst’s men remain 11th in the South West Peninsula League Premier East but the victory gives the 16th-placed Hippos a five-point cushion over Holsworthy.

Fortunes looked far rosier for the Bees after just four minutes.

Dane James hurled in a long throw and midfielder Fred Parsons reacted quickly to Luke Ashford’s save from his header, bundling home the parry to score at the second attempt.

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It was the early goal Herbst had been craving in recent weeks but Bridport failed to add to it, despite carving out numerous chances.

Ashford and Parsons almost had a private battle in the opening exchanges as the keeper kept out a volley and then somehow denied Parsons’ header with the inside of his thigh.

Luke King also went close but Honiton grew into the game as Kyle Howell’s swerving free-kick troubled Jordon Scadding in the Bees’ goal.

Honiton capitalised on their pressure when Aaron Pearse raced onto a good through ball to beat Scadding in the 22nd minute.

Bridport then saw a set-piece smuggled off the line just before half-time as the sides went in level at 1-1.

Bridport struggled for rhythm in the second half as Honiton shot wide on several occasions before Ben Ede struck the bar from 20 yards out.

Harley Brook then had a glorious chance to restore Bridport’s lead but the teenager missed from inside the six-yard box.

From the goal-kick, Honiton gave the Bees a lesson in finishing as Howell latched on to a flick-on and buried a good finish past Scadding.

Bridport peppered the Honiton box with crosses in the final minutes but could not find an equaliser as the Hippos claimed a precious three points.

Speaking post-match, Herbst said: “We got the early goal but we didn’t play that well. We got what we deserved.

“We can’t coast through games. We created enough chances but it’s just not falling for us. When the other team makes mistakes we don’t make them pay.

"The thing that hurts is that they wanted it more. That hurts more than the defeat."

Bees: Jo Scadding, James, Wright, King, Baker, Morgan (Rowe 62), Parsons, Gape, Brook, Ayunga, Weedon. Subs not used: Elliott, Gall.

Bridport host Axminster Town on Good Friday (11am).