MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 2

BRIDPORT RESERVES 0

BRIDPORT Reserves’ manager Shaun Annetts was left feeling bitterly disappointed after his side were beaten 2-0 by Merley Cobham Sports.

After a goalless first half, the visitors gave away a penalty five minutes after the break which was dispatched by Merley’s Matt Groves.

Groves then turned provider for Sam Elliott, who tucked home the hosts’ second in the 65th minute.

The weather also played a part in the defeat with the Bees unable to get to grips with the slippery surface.

After the game, Annetts told Echosport: “It was a game of two halves.

“We came in at half-time 0-0 and we had created some decent chances.

“We looked a threat and we felt we should have been in front.

“I tried to emphasise how important the conditions were because the ball was zipping off the surface, but we didn’t deal well with it because we haven’t had any experience of it this

season.”

Early in the second half, the Bees failed to defend a Merley attack and it led to Bridport’s goalkeeper, Billy Fleet, bringing down Joe Dawe inside the box.

Groves stepped up and slotted the resulting kick home to take the lead for the home side.

Things got worse for the reserves as Elliott added their second of the game 15 minutes later.

After that, Sports continued to control the game in worsening conditions as they saw the game out with very few scares.

Annetts added: “We didn’t stop and we created chances.

“Our defenders played much better after the two goals.

“But, it wasn’t to be and we were on the end of another 2-0 defeat, which is bitterly

disappointing.

“We’ve now got two weeks to reflect and work hard to try and improve our performances.”

Their next game in the Dorset Premier League sees the Bees take on Swanage Town & Herston on Saturday, September 17 – a side that has won three of their opening six games.

The manager added: “Sometimes when you have a result like the one we have just had, you want to get playing and make it right.

“The fact that we have two weeks without a game is not ideal

“We have a tough game at Swanage to come and we will prepare well for it.

“We don’t want to spoil what has been a reasonably good start to the season.”

Bees: Fleet, Hill, Baggs, Walkey (Weedon 75), King, Peart, Peach (Gape 70), Woodland (McCallistar 80), Ward, Gale, Hunter. Subs not used: Scadding, Davey