TORRIDGESIDE 1

BRIDPORT 0

BRIDPORT remain winless in 2024 after a slender 1-0 loss at Torridgeside in the South West Peninsula League Premier East.

Chris Herbst’s men created little throughout the game before conceding a wind-assisted winner in the second-half.

Going into two big cup ties next week, the Bees are also nursing a lengthening injury list.

Just as concerning, though, will be the scant opportunities created by a normally free-scoring Bridport side.

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On a heavy pitch plus a buffeting wind, the major action came in the second half as Bridport saw their only chances of note come and go.

Fred Parsons put Riley Weedon through but the attacking midfielder was unable to control a difficult half-volley.

However, there was a touch of fortune about Torridgeside’s winner as goalkeeper Callum Smalley, returning to the Bees after signing dual terms with Weymouth Under-23s, was caught out by the wind.

Initially there seemed no danger when Ryan Sanders appeared to be sailing wide, but the elements pushed the ball over Smalley and into the bottom corner to stun the Bees in the 64th minute.

And Bridport wasted a potential equaliser when teenage striker Kieran Coombs was denied in a one-on-one by the home keeper.

Torridgeside then deservedly held on to register their first victory since November, extending to five matches Bridport’s winless streak.

Herbst admitted the T-Siders had more desire, adding: “Maybe, the conditions were tough and they played them right. We just struggled.

“It was poor, we weren’t at the races. The other team wanted it more and that shouldn’t happen.

“I guess it was players’ attitudes towards that game, thinking they’d rock up and win. It was bad all-round.”

Bridport travel to Newquay for the Walter C Parson Cup quarter-final on Saturday (2.30pm).

Bees: Smalley, Childs, Partridge, King, Brook, Owen (Pitt 56), Daniels (Etherington 70), Weedon (Coombs 70), Rowe, Parsons, T Diaz (Calverley 56).