BOURNEMOUTH SPORTS 2

BRIDPORT RES 1

BATTLING Bridport Reserves were undone by a late Sam Darlow header as Bournemouth Sports secured a 2-1 victory at Chapel Gate in the Dorset Premier League.

Bridport, who remain 14th following the defeat, came fast out of the traps as Josh Baker aimed a long-range lob at goal but backpeddling keeper Tom Straetmans timed his leap just right to make the last-ditch save.

Baker hit the post with another effort but, just as it seemed his luck may be deserting him, he ran onto a through ball and slotted a composed finish beyond the advancing Straetmans for 1-0.

Sports came out with renewed vigour in the second half and in-form striker Sam Darlow duly nodded home from James Bergin’s cross for 1-1.

READ MORE: Hamworthy United Reserves 6-0 Bridport Reserves - report

Darlow also found his route to goal blocked by Bees’ skipper Jake Mansley, while the visitors were again denied by Straetmans who made a brave save at close range to keep out Mike Calverley.

However, the Bees came unstuck as the Bergin-Darlow combination joined forces again on 80 minutes, the latter precisely heading home into the top corner to give Sports the win.

Speaking to the Bridport News, disappointed Bees’ boss Adam Herring felt his side were deserving of a point from the encounter.

He said: “I think we were worthy of a point overall. I’d say they had more possession but I feel we create more clear-cut chances.

“They scored early in the second half and we squandered a good chance to make it 2-1.”

The Bees were last night due to play Portland United Reserves, and will now switch focus to an important home clash with Poole Borough on Saturday (2pm).

Herring’s side are 14th, while the Hornets sit 13th, six points ahead.

Herring added: “Poole’s a massive game for us and we haven’t got the luxury of bringing anyone in because (the first team) has got a lot of injuries. We don’t want to risk anybody.

“Poole’s a cup final for us, really.”

Adam Steele and Fin Morgan return for the Bees.

Bees: Cuff, Childs, Mansley, Partridge, Taylor, Burwood, Etherington, Baker, Carlile, Kamara, Calverley. Subs used: Gee, Kirkbride, Ja Scadding.