HAMWORTHY REC 2

BRIDPORT 1

BRAD Hill’s audacious 25-yard lob broke 10-man Bridport’s hearts as Hamworthy Rec progressed to the Dorset Senior Cup final with a 2-1 win at the County Ground.

Bridport took the lead through a rare Riley Weedon header but George Calverley’s petulant kick earned him a straight red before the break.

Ryan Gall’s own goal in the second half made it 1-1 and Bridport sat deep, looking set to take the game to extra-time.

That was before Hill showed sublime vision to see Bees’ keeper Jordon Scadding off his line and execute a chip to perfection to send Rec through.

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Kirk Grice’s men will face either Shaftesbury, Poole or Wimborne in the final.

While Bridport’s first shot at a cup semi-final this season ended in agony, the Bees can be proud of their effort in this tie given the circumstances.

Rec dominated possession and nearly took an early lead, only to spare Bridport blushes when missing a good headed chance.

However, Bridport’s top goalscorer came through for them again with his 13th strike of the season.

Calverley was the architect as his fine ball into the box was met by the run of Weedon to place a good header beyond keeper Matty Fredericks.

Then came Calverley’s moment of regret before half-time as the defender inexcusably kicked out after having his shirt tugged back and was shown red, piling the pressure onto the Bees.

Boss Chris Herbst deployed a low block in the second half but an unfortunate own goal got Rec back on level terms in the 65th minute.

Centre-back Ryan Gall was tempted into action when defending a cross but got his interception wrong, instead diverting the ball past Scadding.

Bees’ sub Sol Ayunga spurned a half-chance in a fleeting opening for Bridport, who defended courageously as Rec, well known for their slick passing, monopolised possession in the final exchanges.

So, it needed a dose of brilliance from Hill to win the game in normal time as his effort from range flew over Scadding to knock the Bees out.

Speaking post-match, Herbst said: “Very gutting right in the last few minutes to concede.

“You play with 10 men for so long. Everyone worked so hard, so to lose like that is a real kick in the guts. It’s a really tough one to take.”

Herbst had no complaints with Calverley’s red card, adding: “He was getting his shirt pulled and George has booted out.

“It’s stupid from George. You think maybe if the ref blew earlier, but it’s a red card. It wasn’t a bad kick, but he has kicked out.”

Bridport move on to their South West Peninsula League Premier East home fixture with Honiton Town on Saturday (3pm), weather permitting.

Bees: Jo Scadding, Owen, Gall, King, G Calverley, Brook, Gape (T Diaz 80), Lock, Parsons, Weedon (Ayunga 55), Rowe (Childs 38).