BRIDPORT 3

CULLOMPTON RANGERS 1

BRIDPORT made light work of Cullompton Rangers in the battle of third versus fourth, winning 3-1 at St Mary’s Field.

In what was Bridport’s first home game for almost two months due to adverse weather, the Bees delivered a comfortable win ahead of their crunch Walter C Parson Cup semi-final against Okehampton on Tuesday (7.30pm).

Chris Herbst’s men also strengthened their position in third after leaders Ivybridge beat second-placed Crediton 3-0, leaving Bridport level on 41 points with Creddy having played one more game.

The fight for second is crucial, with the incentive of FA Cup qualification on the line, and the Bees were fully motivated against Cullompton.

READ MORE: Chris Herbst targets FA Cup berth for Bridport in 2024/25

Bridport did not allow their opponents a sniff in the opening quarter, taking the lead thanks to Kieren Daniels’ smart finish inside the box.

Riley Weedon and Adam Diaz shot wide either side of the break but Cullompton improved in the second half and tested goalkeeper Jordon Scadding with a lob.

Meanwhile, Fred Parsons saw a goal disallowed for offside and Daniels was unlucky to see a free-kick spin off the wall and land narrowly wide.

However, Parsons put Bridport 2-0 up in the 77th minute when he converted a pass from sub Ali Kamara and seven minutes later skipper Luke King fired home from close range for 3-0.

Cullompton’s consolation came from Aiden Horne in the 86th minute to deprive the Bees of a clean sheet, but the victory was never in doubt.

Post-match, Herbst said: “It was a good win, quite comfortable against a top-four side and considering the players we had missing as well.

“I was worried about the personnel missing but it’s a credit to the side. I made a few changes, Toby and Adam Diaz took their chance and I started Fin Morgan in midfield.

“I thought I was going to give a few people a go who deserve it. It’s good that the players are coming in and doing well.

“The goal we conceded was frustrating but we defended so well. It breeds confidence throughout the team.”

Bees: Jo Scadding, D Lock, A Diaz, Gall, King, Owen, Parsons, Daniels, Weedon (Coombs 83), Morgan (Kamara 57), T Diaz. Subs not used: Brook, Gape, Childs.