Russell: Tie was lost at St Mary's

BRIDPORT were left cursing their luck following Tuesday night's FA Vase exit at Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

The Bees went down 3-0 to the Wessex League side at Western Way in a Qualifying Second Round replay.

The Wiltshire outfit now go on to meet Christchurch although it should be the west Dorset team progressing according to manager Bob Russell.

"The tie wasn't lost last night," he said, "it was lost on Saturday in the first game at St Mary's Field. We were 2-1 up with seconds left when we got caught offside while trying to keep the ball in their half and they broke and grabbed an equaliser.

"What we should have done instead of trying to play at that stage was to hoof the ball into the river. The trouble is we have a lot of young lads who are still learning their trade and more experienced players would have done just that.

"But it's a big step up from the Perry Street and Dorset Premier League to this level and I've got a few boys who were playing in those lower leagues last season. What's important is that we learn from this lesson and learn quickly.

"I can't fault the effort and commitment but it's silly little things that are costling us results. The better side won on the night and I have no complaints about that but we should have wrapped it up on Saturday."

Bridport started the replay well and carved the first meaningful opening on 14 minutes when Lee Clarke forced a good save from a curling free-kick.

Scott Dennis and Ian Linney both went close soon after but it was Bemerton who took the lead on 23 minutes courtesy of a six-yard tap in from John Cole.

The hosts had to wait until midway through the second period to beat Martin Peters again with Cole this time nodding in from a corner.

Bridport enjoyed their best spell after that as Russell switched to three up front but their challenge was ended on 64 minutes when Gary Boswell ran on to a ball over the top and finished superbly from long range.

Jon Ritchie hit the bar late on for the Bees.

Bees: Peters, O'Brien (Taylor, 55), Dennis, Copeland, Linney (Harmer, 61), T Cunningham, Clarke, Gawen, Hitchcock, A Cunningham. Sub not used: Leach.

* BRIDPORT twice threw away the lead against Bemerton as they drew 2-2 after extra time in their first meeting in the at St Mary's Field on Saturday.

The Bees were in front through Gary McAuley, before Bemerton equalised just after the hour through Steve Waite. The hosts restored their advantage courtesy of Bruce Gawen five minutes from time but joy then turned to despair among the home fans, as the visitors equalised right on the final whistle.

The Bees got caught offside and a quickly taken free-kick sailed into the home penalty area for Bemerton's diminutive striker Raza Soloudeh to poke home.

Bees were left to survive with just 10 men after McAuley was taken to hospital to have stitches in a head wound which kept him out of the replay.

Bridport: Peters, O'Brien (Harmer, 75), Leach (Gawen, 45), Copeland, Dennis (Cunningham, 80), McAuley, Linney, Clark, Hitchcock, Murray, Ritchie.