BRIDPORT 3

VERWOOD TOWN 1

BRIDPORT progressed to the Dorset Senior Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Verwood Town at St Mary’s Field.

In truth, the win was more stressful than it might have been had the Bees not hit the woodwork on three occasions.

Brad Rowe hit the top of the crossbar with a viciously dipping effort and fellow striker Sol Ayunga cut inside and whacked the post.

Ayunga later had a shot blocked on the line, as did captain Luke King, as Bridport could not make the most of their chances.

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Rowe made the breakthrough, capitalising on a defensive mix-up, before Darren Lock headed home George Calverley’s devilish inswinging corner for 2-0 at half-time.

Bridport, who have now failed to keep a clean sheet in all 15 matches this season, conceded a sloppy goal to let Verwood back into the game as Harrison Whitelaw beat the offside trap and fired past Jordon Scadding for 2-1.

Bridport then faced a nervous final portion of the match against their fellow Step 6 side but the best move of the match wrapped up the victory.

Riley Weedon and Ayunga combined with a pass and move attack, culminating in Ayunga burying a good finish for 3-1.

Speaking post-match, Bees’ boss Chris Herbst said: “Forst half we should’ve scored three or four at least. It’s very frustrating because there were times where we blew them off the park.

“We should never have been going 2-1 into the last ten minutes. Perhaps it’s a bit of rust. I’ve made a few changes to give the other boys a run, but we still went strong.

“We’ve got a good squad, so we’re not relying on 11 players now. The clean sheet, we can’t buy one and it’s a sloppy goal to give away.

“I’m obviously happy with the win but it’s frustrating.”

Bees: Jo Scadding, D Lock (Baggs 80), Leader, King, Calverley, Diaz (Brook 60), Parsons (Daniels 60), Gape, Weedon, Rowe (Richardson 60), Ayunga.

Attendance: 136.