WELLS CITY 1 BRIDPORT 1

BOSS Ian Hutchinson bemoaned the absence of a predatory instinct before ordering his side to “make sure our season doesn’t fizzle out”.

Bridport were held to a 1-1 draw by Toolstation Western League Division One mid-table rivals Wells City despite dominating possession and enjoying the best chances.

In a tale of two penalties, Dan Wise cancelled out the home side’s early spot-kick midway through the first half after Shane Evans had been impeded by keeper Luke Langson.

When Langson – who was reproached in that incident – incurred his second yellow on 80 minutes for foul and abusive language, the door was ajar.

But a stubborn Wells rearguard ensured the Bees rued an opportunity missed to make it back-to-back victories.

And Hutchinson could not conceal his frustration at only bringing back one point to St Mary’s Field.

He said: “I’m disappointed because we had enough chances to win the game but it’s the same old story.”

Stand-in skipper Ryan Hayter returned to the right side of defence after missing the barnstorming midweek defeat of Clevedon.

With Tom Coggins unavailable, Dan Wise was restored to central-midfield alongside Chris Senior, while Ashley Clarke accompanied Evans up front.

However, with merely four minutes played the referee penalised Clarke for handball and awarded Wells a penalty.

The spot-kick was duly deposited past Lee Cuff only for the compliment to be returned shortly afterwards when Evans was cynically fouled.

If the previous decision had been shrouded in controversy, this one was stonewall and Wise obliged by sending Langson the wrong way.

Now with their tails up, the Bees seized control and twice struck the woodwork.

Senior watched his effort cannon off a post before Wise’s 25-yard thunderbolt evaded the keeper but not the upright.

Bridport travel to Gillingham Town (3pm) today.

Bees: Cuff, Hayter, Herbst, Lock, C Clarke, Bulman, Senior, Wise, Condliffe, Evans, C Clarke (Hutchinson, 76). Sub not used: McClements Bees’ Man of the Match (sponsored and donated by the supporters): Lee Cuff Attendance: 84