BRIDPORT RES 2

DORCHESTER SPORTS 1

BRIDPORT Reserves claimed a vital 2-1 win over Dorchester Sports in the Dorset Premier League.

With the game bogged down in a slow tempo for much for the opening period, Bridport took a crucial lead when Josh Baker headed home from Harry Burwood's right-wing cross.

Sports' best chance of the half fell to Joel Hewitt, who was denied one-on-one by veteran goalkeeper Mark Cuff.

READ MORE: Sturminster Newton 5-0 Bridport Reserves - report

Bridport were grateful to Cuff for a heroic performance in the second half as he brilliantly snuffed out three clean-through situations for Hewitt, Toby Kelly and Sheehy.

Dan Sheehy also fluffed his lines from an open goal, six yards out, while Lyes Selama fired wide.

Cuff made a fourth big save from Selama before Bridport scored a sucker-punch second.

Baker's shot from outside the box was parried by keeper Nick Hutchings, with Matty Loader-Mouland forcing Hutchings into a double save.

However, Dan Baggs took the ball round keeper Hutchings before slotting home as the Bees scored at the third attempt.

Sports gave themselves late hope when Toby Kelly was upended by Jake Mansley for an 88th-minute penalty, scored by in-form Owen Peart.

They duly pressured the home defence in stoppage time but half-chances for Selama and Hewitt failed to test Cuff as the Bees held on for victory.

Reserves' boss Adam Herring told the Bridport News: "Cuffy made a few good saves but overall I thought we deserved something out of the game, just because of the way we defended and the battling performance.

"It has come at the right time. A few extra players have made a massive difference.

"We're still looking over our shoulder at Sherborne, they seem to be getting some results against some good opposition.

"It only takes them to get one win, and they've got to play us as well, and it's pretty tight again."

Bridport have strengthened their position in 14th, nine points above the bottom two.

They have no game this weekend and visit Sherborne in a crunch clash on Wednesday.

Bees Reserves: Cuff, Strelley, Childs, Smith, Mansley, Steele, Baker, Burwood, Hill, I House, Baggs. Subs used: Woodhouse, Elliott, Etherington, Loader-Mouland.