BRIDPORT RES 1 STURMINSTER M 1

BRIDPORT Reserves failed to beat relegation-threatened Sturminster Marshall at St Mary’s Field.

Dominic McAllister’s 25th minute opener was cancelled out by Paul Fellows’ second-half own goal, which heralded the West Dorset outfit’s first draw of their league campaign.

Boss Mike Savage, who again fielded an experimental line-up, said: “To be honest the goal flattered us and we probably didn’t deserve to be 1-0 up at half-time.

“We created a lot more chances in the second half but couldn’t take them and they got their goal to take a point back with them.

“Sturminster had a couple of lively lads up front but didn’t threaten us much and I thought after getting a goal ahead that we could go on from there and win.

“We should have won the game and if we were at full strength I think we would have.”

And with four matches left to play, which starts with a trip to Westland Sports tonight (6.30pm), Savage says he is more concerned with performances than results.

He added: “At this stage it’s all about who sticks out and I’m hoping one or two players will come in and shine in the last couple of games.

“We need to be more competitive generally because when we go behind we fold and we usually fade the longer the game goes on.

“Hopefully I can get some players in during the summer and we can kick on another level.”

Skipper Steve Churchill, who was unavailable against Sturminster, should return to the starting XI tonight although Andy Purdie may have to deputise between the sticks again.

Bridport Reserves stay 10th in the Dorset Premier League, sandwiched between Sturminster Newton United and Hamworthy United Reserves.

Bees: Purdie, L Hayter (Day 46), Boyer, Maidment, Fellows, McCle-ments, Penn, Stordy, Cummings, Ward, McAllister (M Bulman 46).