BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

BALTI SPORTS 1

BALTI Sports’ difficult start to the new Jewson Dorset Premier League season continued with a 2-1 loss at Bridport Reserves.

Balti, who are beleaguered by injuries and Covid-19 absences, went 1-0 down when striker Josh Hunter coolly slotted home from a through ball.

Former Bees’ hero Ryan Dovell then equalised with a fizzing half-volley into the bottom corner.

But Hunter grabbed all three points for Richard Middleton’s men in the second half from what appeared a soft free-kick.

To make matters worse for Balti, Hunter threaded a clever strike through the wall to beat the helpless Andy Nott.

READ MORE: Balti Sports 2-3 Blandford United - match report

Speaking to Echosport, Balti boss Marco Nott said: “They deserved it and we’re miles off it at the moment.

“It’s concerning how far behind we are. We look leggy, not ourselves. It’s terrible.

“In all the years of doing Balti I can’t remember our football being as bad as what it is.

“It’s just not clicking.”

Balti now go into a home clash with Holt on Saturday (3pm).

Nott said: “I got a lot of respect for Holt, it sounds like they’re going to go for a slightly younger side this year.

“They’ve got (Nathan) Saxby back from Merley as well, he’s always a threat, and games against are always close.”

Carl McClements (broken toe), Jack Drummond (broken wrist) and Ryan Dovell (broken rib) are out.

Balti: A Nott, Curran, S Zima, Anderson, O’Shaughnessy, Dovell, Walker (Taylor 60), Andrews, Stavrianos (Beals 70), Rawlings, Baker.

Bridport Reserves visit Portland United Reserves on Saturday (3pm).