BRIDPORT RES 1

SHERBORNE RES 0

BRIDPORT Reserves took a crucial 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Sherborne Town Reserves in the Dorset Premier League.

Adam Herring’s men got the winning goal when Beaminster left-back Paul Hill, dual-registered with the Bees, went on a mazy dribble beating three players and finding Josh Baker who lashed home.

As Sherborne pushed forward, Baker’s goal could have been added to as Brad Rowe blazed over and Noah House also squandered an opportunity.

Bridport are now seven points clear of the Zebras, who sit in the dreaded bottom two and have two games in hand.

The result came after the Bees lost 5-1 to reigning champions Holt United on Saturday.

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Bridport travelled to the neutral venue of Victoria Park in Winton, rather than the Bulls’ traditional Petersham Lane home, without a recognised goalkeeper.

And Holt established a commanding 4-0 advantage by half-time, triggered by the opening goal for Kyle John-Clement who rounded off a cutting team move.

Corey Elwick lashed home for 2-0 on 28 minutes and Ben Lebow found the top corner for Holt’s third after an incisive pass from Sam Bradford.

And Scott Bungay effectively ended the game as a contest, finishing well at the near post.

Mika Mamanta did pull a consolation goal back for Bridport but Ali Garard quickly restored Holt’s four-goal cushion.

Reflecting on the Sherborne win, Herring said: “It was a massive six-pointer for us and one that we needed to definitely not lose.

“We’ve got some new players in to the end of the season, so our squad was really strong.

“Sherborne first-half were more up for it but second half we dominated and overall we deserved the victory.”

On Holt, Herring added: “I thought we competed in the first 25 minutes but they grew into the game and we had a crazy 20 minutes again where we conceded four. It was game over.”

Bridport Reserves travel to title-chasing Sturminster Newton on Saturday (3pm).

Bees v Sherborne: Cuff, Hill, Mansley, Owen, Strelley, Etherington (Kamara), G Will, Steele, Rowe (Loder), N House, Baker (Woodhouse).