BRIDPORT 0

TAVISTOCK 1

Annear 28

BRIDPORT put up another brave fight against high-flying opposition but ultimately once more were found wanting as Tavistock took a 1-0 win from their Toolstation Western League Premier Division battle.

At a windswept St Mary’s Field, Tavistock started the brighter with a trio of chances as Jack Crago fired off target before Liam Prynn and Jordan Annear worked home keeper Scott Wells-Burr.

Bridport could only fashion a half-chance for Sam Handyside before Tavistock utilised the blustery conditions to force what proved to be the winner in the 28th minute.

The Lambs had constructed numerous waves of attacks but relied on a touch of fortune as a goalmouth scramble fell kindly for Annear to prod home.

With the Bees benefitting from the wind at their backs in the second half, striker Lewis Clarke forced Lambs’ keeper Tom Watson into two saves.

However, the conditions were hampering any creativity from both sides and a pedestrian second half aided Tavistock as the Devon side approached victory.

There was a slight moment of concern for Bridport substitute Stephen Friend following a mid-air collision with Watson, but both men continued until full-time.

With victory, Tavistock went within a point of fourth with three games in hand while Bridport slipped back to 19th after Chipping Sodbury beat Wellington 3-1.

Speaking post-match, Bridport boss Jamie Manley was vexed after what he perceived as a below-par display.

He said: “It was frustrating, we didn’t really play to the standards that we did over the last few weeks, which was disappointing.

“We’ve competed quite well over the last few weeks. The pitch was a bit wet and bobbly and it was blowing a hooley, but it’s the same for both sides.

“They didn’t play much football themselves and it was a bit of a battle. I was hoping for a bit more from my lot and I thought we could’ve done a lot better than what we did.

“I am disappointed in that way but I’m not going to fault the effort the lads put in – they all worked really hard.

“We just lacked a bit of quality in the final third, and all over. It wasn’t that much of an enjoyable game to watch, so I was a bit frustrated.

“We’ll just draw a line under it, move on to the next one and learn by it.”

Bees: Wells- Burr, Haines, Salter (Greenwood-Neate 79), Holmes, Butcher, Gape, Westlake, Handyside (Warren 58), Clarke, Pinder (Friend 67), Cornish. Subs not used: McAuley, Beals.

*Portland's match at Solent University was called off after the Test Park pitch failed an inspection.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil