KEYNSHAM TOWN 6

BRIDPORT 2

DEPLETED Bridport slid to a 6-2 Toolstation Western League Premier Division defeat on the 4G at Keynsham Town.

Keynsham raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half as Jack Dancey netted a brace after Jack Banfield’s opener.

Bridport, who fielded boss Rob Marquis in goal due to a goalkeeper shortage, pulled a goal back when Dan Baggs’ deflected free-kick flew into the net.

But Town soon had a fourth before half-time as Will Hailston beat Marquis.

Bridport improved their ball retention in the second half but Banfield managed to grab a fifth.

There was a silver lining for the Bees when 16-year-old star Harley Brook netted his fourth goal in four games – and his debut first-team goal – to make it 5-2.

READ MORE: Bridport 2-1 Ashton & Backwell United - match report

However, Keynsham retaliated with a sixth courtesy of Scott Gregory to move Town into fourth place, Bridport staying 18th.

Post-match, Marquis said: “We were somewhat depleted and that has to be taken into consideration.

“No disrespect to the lads who did play.

“I didn’t think we played that bad, if we had a couple more players available it would’ve made a difference.”

He added: “They weren’t bad but I don’t see them as one of the stronger teams we’ve played – although the result doesn’t reflect that.”

Bridport were short of four goalkeepers due to Covid-19, work or unavailability.

The Bees have a near full squad to choose from for the trip to Ilfracombe on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Marquis, Carlile, A Steele, Hastings, Baggs (Brook 60), Owen, Boulton, Osei-Kumi, Blango, Greenwood-Neate, Hill. Sub not used: Tozer

Attendance: 109