BRIDPORT 3

WENDRON UNITED 1

BRIDPORT advanced to the Walter C Parson Cup quarter-finals with an exciting 3-1 win over Wendron United at St Mary’s Field.

Bridport’s players deserve particular credit on this occasion, given a portion of their squad were seen pre-match forking the pitch to make it playable after a night of heavy rain.

Wendron, who travelled nearly 140 miles from Cornwall, threatened to spoil their party early on, though.

The Dron showed why they are third in the South West Peninsula League Premier West, taking the lead in the 12th minute thanks to Thomas Walter’s stunning 30-yard volley.

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Bridport responded almost immediately from a corner as Sol Ayunga guided a header home from deep inside the box.

Wendron carried a big threat on the wings and, but for a miscommunication, could have retaken the lead after Ryan Reeve’s surging run and cross.

Instead, Bridport got their noses in front when Riley Weedon’s cross cannoned off the post into the path of George Calverley who buried a sharp finish for 2-1.

In a more tactical second half, Kieren Daniels failed to capitalise on a quickfire chance but the Bees’ man of the match then stole possession and set up Riley Weedon for a good chance in the 78th minute.

However, with Wendron sniffing a late equaliser, Bridport needed a counter-attacking goal to seal victory in the 89th minute as Ayunga finished a quick move on the break.

Post-match, Bridport boss Chris Herbst said: “It was massive, we played really well and probably our best performance up there with Crediton.

“First 15 minutes they were probably the better side but once we got settled we played some brilliant stuff.

“It was just an all-round good performance. Everyone played well, which was a big factor.

“They were really good, probably one of the best teams we’ve played this season, but second-half we were all over them and pinned them in.

“We could’ve been more clinical but we deserved the 3-1 win and I think they’d say the same.”

Bridport now have a bye weekend before visiting Bishops Lydeard on Saturday, December 2.

Bees: Jo Scadding, Diaz (Thorpe 85), Calverley (Brook 75), King, Gall (Childs 59), Leader, Gape (Lock 49), Daniels, Weedon, Richardson (Rowe 59), Ayunga.