The latest from St Marys - 09/05/08

EVE OF DESTRUCTION
Well, that's wrong for a start as the buiders have already demolished the changing rooms at St Mary's.
Rumours that Mickey Greeno's Little Black Book, Paul Toms' spare jock strap and Hung Dang's English phrase book were among items recovered from the rubble are at present unconfirmed.
Any chance they could accidentally knock down the Bee-Hive at the same time?

Jon
9/5/08



B-DA Bda B.. That's All Folks!!!


The final score last night was 3-0 not 3-2 as listed on the Western League website which, although not that important, buggered up my Shoot ! Wall Chart...........
Anyway here's the word from Rob Meech and the Bridport News

BRIDPORT concluded a lacklustre season with defeat at Longwell Green Sports last night in a match that typified the shortcomings which have plagued the Dorset club's efforts in Toolstation Western League Division One.
Showing glimpses of class and penetration all too briefly, the Bees competed for large parts of the contest but were undone by sloppy defending at the back and erratic finishing at the opposite end of the pitch.
The visitors started disastrously and after a goal had been disallowed inside the opening five minutes, eighth-placed Longwell gained the lead legitimately when striker Dave Parnell pounced on a through ball and slotted past stand-in keeper Mark Cuff.
It would have been worse had Cuff not saved Neil Rosslee's tame penalty after captain Darren Stewart had clumsily brought down the marauding Ryan Gardner, who bypassed three players before being felled.
The Bees gradually asserted themselves on proceedings, with Chris Skinner, fresh from his four-goal haul for the Reserves at the weekend, orchestrating much of his side's attacking ventures with skill and direction. However, any chances that the visitors carved out were wasted, with Adam Stordy and Ashley Clarke culpable.
A 1-0 deficit was manageable though, and Bridport began the second period brightly with Darren Lock capping the best move of the match with a shot that flashed just wide.
Longwell, surprised by their opponents' resurgence, responded with a barrage of high balls to test the Bees' notoriously fragile defence.
Keeper Cuff produced an outstanding stop from Parnell's thunderbolt 15 minutes into the second half, but the pressure the hosts exerted eventually told when Stu Mountford capitalised on a miscued clearance to rifle home and settle his side's nerves.
Before Bridport had time to recover, they were further behind when an innocuous long ball was latched on to by Parnell, who shrugged off the challenge from Stewart and poked past the onrushing Cuff for his second.
Caretaker-boss Mark Lock, in possibly his final game at the club's helm, was forced to bring on himself to replace Russell Legg, with his depleted side without the suspended Shane Evans, as well as the quartet of Jon Ritchie, Ryan Hayter, Tom Coggins and Lee Cleal for varying reasons.
The final whistle heralded Longwell's deserved victory and signalled and the 24th league defeat of a disappointing campaign for Bridport, whose search for a permanent successor to Royston Davies begins in earnest.
Bees: M Cuff, Stordy (McClements 66), Symes, Fellows, Stewart, D Lock, Wise, Legg (M Lock 83), Condliffe, Clarke, Skinner Booked: Stewart
Attendance: 62

HMMMMMM!!!!
DISENCHANTED caretaker-boss Mark Lock highlighted another toxic dose of defensive blunders that contributed to Bridport's comfortable defeat at Portishead in their penultimate Toolstation Western League Division One match of the season.
Lock watched on critically as his players conceded three preventable goals which, coupled with a lack of bite and potency up front, gifted the mid-table Somerset side the spoils in a match where only pride was at stake.
I was very disappointed with the performance and we got what we deserved as we were outplayed and out-thought,'' said Lock.
They were better than us in every department and rolled up their sleeves throughout, and in the second half we didn't turn up at all.'' The Bees safely negotiated the opening salvo but were caught flat-footed by a defence-splitting ball over the top after 20 minutes and a deft lob past on-rushing keeper Lee Cleal found the net.
Bridport battled back however, and equalised almost immediately when Dan Wise unleashed a shot that evaded the hosts' keeper and nestled in the corner.
Chances became sparse but Ashley Clarke spurned a glorious opportunity to edge his side ahead shortly into the second half in the visitors' best move of the match.

Once again, playmaker Wise was instrumental and following crisp passing deep in Portishead's terri-tory, he whipped in a teasing cross that Clarke reached but could only shoot over the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.
That glaring miss proved crucial and was compounded only five minutes later when the hosts scored their second goal to gain a priceless lead.
Another long ball into the box was insufficiently handled and after a ricochet Russell Legg, shepherding an attacker out wide, was adjudged by the referee to have fouled despite contact being at best minimal.
Contentious though it was, the spot-kicker had no hesitation in taking full advantage and converted accordingly by sending Cleal the wrong way.
Stunned by this apparent injustice, Bridport could not mount a comeback and instead slipped further adrift thanks to another calamitous defensive error.
Cottoning on to their opponents' susceptibility to long balls, Port-ishead thumped one downfield and Bridport's failure to clear their lines prompted a foul from Paul Fellows in a vulnerable position on the edge of the box.
Eighteen yards out and central to the goal, the free-kick was exquisitely struck into the top corner and represented a classy way for the hosts to seal three points.
FINAL SCORE:-
PORTISHEAD 3 BRIDPORT 1
Bees: Cleal, McClements, Fellows, Stewart, Hayter, Churchill, D Lock, Legg, Condliffe, Wise, Clarke


Apologies to Dan Wise who scored the Bees goal on Saturday. Blame the Indy's reporter, I am!!
WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO GO!

The Bees lost the penultimate game of the season at Porishead on Saturday by 3-1. The only info I have is that the Bees scored courtesy of an own goal.
More details Monday, probably...

Jon
27/4/08

Avon agony as Fellows sees red
By Rob Meech
The Bees travelled to Avon without four regular first team players for this Toolstation Western Division One League clash.
On a glue-like pitch the visitors started well and dominated the play early on with a free-kick from Dan Wise scraping the bar after only two minutes.

Wise was involved in a great deal of the forward play by Bridport and his crossfield ball for Ashley Clarke to run on to was almost perfect but the home keeper Sam Alexander just beat the big striker to the ball.
For the first 15 minutes it was all Bridport with the O's managing the odd breakaway.
However, the visiting forwards spurning chances that should have given them a comfortable cushion.
Oldland came more into the game and stand-in keeper Mark Cuff had to be at his best to tip a shot from Jason Side over the bar.
All the time that the Bees were going forward they looked more than useful but in defence were vulnerable to the pace of the home side's forwards.
On the half hour Matt Condliffe was unfortunate when Jordan Richards cleared his goal-bound shot from the line.
With Bridport relaxing a little towards half-time the defence were all at sea after neat work by the Abbotts forwards and Scott Green gave the home side the lead with a powerful header on 43 minutes.
The first action of the second half saw the dismissal of Bees' central defender Fellows after he was involved in a needless scuffle with Green. He raised his arm and pushed the home player away and the referee had little option but to red card the tall defender.
Even with ten men Bridport gave as good as they got and in spite of the cloying pitch created chances.
Almost immediately top scorer Shane Evans was put clear but his shot was comfortably taken by Alexander.
As the visitors tired it was Cuff who several times came to the rescue and his captain Ryan Hayter worked hard to keep his defence in tact. Manager Mark Lock bravely continued with two strikers in the hope of a goal for the visitors. Both Clarke and Evans worked hard to equalise but without luck.
It was luck that went the way of Oldland when a break out by the Bees saw a pass hit the referee and rebound into the Bridport half in the 78th minute.
It was picked up by Matt Huxley who carried the ball forward and drove past a despairing Cuff.
Bridport continued to work hard but with the energy-sapping pitch and a man short were unable to come up with a reply.
Lock said: "I was pleased and proud of my team.
"They gave everything without having any luck. Up until the second goal I thought we were in with a chance. The players should not be ashamed of the result, as the effort they put in was great.
"If we had a little more confidence in front of goal it could have been a much different result."
Bees: Cuff, Symes, Ritchie, Fellows, Hayter, D Lock, Wise (McClements 79), Legg, Condliffe, Evans, Clarke (Cummings 79). Sub not used: M Lock

PLEASE LET IT END!

A 2-0 loss at Oldland today, but really, does anyone care that much?

Full details Monday

Jon
19/4/08

BEE-SOTTED SCOOP OFFICIAL!!
The Bridport News has confirmed in this week's edition that the three named applicants for the Gaffers job are Messrs Lock, Senior & Hammond.
Amazingly these three were the total guesses used to populate the exceedingly popular poll on this site. Previous rumours had nine applicants but on a re-count Chairman Adrian says it's the aforementioned three plus three others who don't wish to be named yet.

Again with, I stress, nothing other than tea leaves as a guide, (which seeing I only drink coffee is pretty clever!) my secret three are:-
Kevin Leigh (ex Bees recently resigned at Sherborne)
Geoff Joy (ex Bees, lives local, changing room supremo)
Mickey Greeno (ex Bees, ummm.....................)
Comments anyone?

Jon
17/4/08

THREE TO GO..........

BRIDPORT failed to record their first away win of 2008 last night but pushed high-flying Shrewton United all the way in an entertaining Toolstation Western League Division One contest writes Echo reporter Rob Meech
Midfielder Craig Lewis' brace completed victory for the hosts in a match that was more competitive than the league standings would suggest.
The Bees exploited the wide Recreation Ground surface which, thanks to a heavy downpour prior to kick off, was slick and conducive to passing.
Opportunities to break the deadlock were at a premium for both sides early on, although keeper Lee Cleal was required to save on a couple of occasions.
Despite having their fair share of possession, the visitors failed to create any meaningful openings of their own but Shane Evans spurned a glorious chance to gain the lead when he found himself through on goal only to see his low shot well stopped by keeper Charles Aldridge's legs.
Shrewton began to exert their influence on proceedings with the lively trio of Lewis, Justice Walters and prolific striker Dean Foot interchanging the ball and causing the Bees' defence headaches.
It was a move between these three that broke the stalemate after 37 minutes when Walters' surge down the right flank enabled him to cross accurately for Foot, whose powerful shot was nodded in by Lewis.
Cleal produced a magnificent stop to keep the deficit to one and thwart Lewis from notching his second, and caretaker-manager Mark Lock signalled his intentions by replacing Adam Stordy with Jamie McClements at the interval.
Dan Wise and Matt Condliffe became more effective as the match progressed and Darren Lock, who miraculously recovered from a nasty ankle knock, was authoritative alongside skipper Darren Stewart.
Cleal repelled numerous gilt-edged chances from which Shrewton could have scored but was powerless to prevent Lewis netting his inevitable second after the winger latched on to an innocuous looking pass and slotted the ball home.
Determined Bridport did not surrender and sparked hope of a comeback when Evans lobbed the keeper with ten minutes to go after running on to Condliffe's deft ball over the top to reduce the arrears.
Desperately the visitors searched for the equaliser, but proved elusive as Shrewton cannily kept possession to record three more Division One points and condemn the Bees to another away-day defeat.

SHREWTON UNITED 2 BRIDPORT 1
Bees: Cleal, Stordy (McClements, 46), Symes (Ward, 87), D Lock, Stewart, Legg, Wise, Coggins, Condliffe, Clarke (Skinner, 81) Evans.

A LONG WAY TO GO......
The Bees lost 2-1 at Shrewton on Tuesday.
Details as soon as I can

Jon
15/4/08

A WORD TO THE WISE

Bridport wrapped up their home campaign with a tame 1-1 draw against Oldland. The main talking point of the game occurred after just five minutes when referee Webster allowed the Bees Dan Wise unfettered access to a drop ball restart. The midfielder’s clearance flew past a startled Lewis in the Oldland goal, but although the whistle had a clearly sounded, the goal was chalked off. Bridport seemed nervous about finishing a string of good chances and they paid for their hesitancy when Tom Morgan beat the offside trap with 21 minutes elapsed to put the visitors in front.
Matt Condliffe shot wide within thirty seconds of the game resuming after the break, but Shane Evans equalised when he beat the Oldland back line, racing from 40 yards out to fire home from the edge of the penalty area. Home keeper Lee Cleal kept the game level with several smart saves but was saved by the bar as sub Ryan Crew hit the bar three minutes later. Wise should have wrapped the points up when he inexplicably passed the ball when faced with an open goal after 69 minutes. As he became more frustrated the talented Wise was trying to do everything to the detriment of his team mates. Adam Symes had a shot well saved on 74 minutes and the home side’s chance of finishing the season with a flourish disappeared when Shane Evans shot hit the post with four minutes remaining.
FINAL SCORE:
BRIDPORT 1 OLDLAND ABBOTONIANS 1
Bees:- Cleal, Stordy, Hayter, Fellows (Symes), Stewart, D Lock, Legg (Jones), Coggins, Condliffe (A Clarke), Wise







NEIN! NEIN! NINE?!
Bee-sotted has it on reliable authority that no less than no less than NINE applicants have put their name forward for the Gaffer's job in 2008/09.
No names as yet, but Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb, Wenger and Mourinho are NOT thought to be amongst them......
Jon
9/4/08
TWO STEPS FORWARD
This was an uninspiring game between two poor teams and not for the first time this season Bridport's defensive frailties were to the fore. The only thing that will stay in the memory for this game was that we were treated to no less than five match officials!

Bridport were a goal down within four minutes when a lobbed clearance allowed Rob Pocock to advance on goal. Bees defender Russell Legg was left squarely behind him allowing no chance of a tackle and he confidently slid the ball past Lee Cleal for 1-0.

Bridport were needlessly conceding free kicks and fifteen minutes later Robert Stephens got onto the end of a resultant cross and bundled the ball in from close range.

Tom Coggins provided Bridport's only real chance after 41 minutes when he forced a smart save from Bradford keeper Stu Powell

At half time referee Sean Morgan-Jones decided that he couldn't continue with a knee injury he had suffered and it fell to 17 year old James Durkin (son of) as senior linesman to take control. Bees sub Adam Symes deputised as lnesman for 15 minutes until local official Mike Long who had been at a game in Dorchester arrived to run the line! Second assistant Rob Dabbs completed the whole game!

The second half was almost entirely forgettable with only a Dan Jones deflected shot being wothry of note. It would be unfair not to mention Man of the Match Paul Fellows who produced a sterling defensive display

FINAL SCORE:-BRIDPORT 0 BRADFORD TOWN 2

Bees:- Cleal, Stordy (Churchill), Legg, Fellows, Stewart, D Lock (Jones), Evans, Coggins, Condliffe, A Clarke, Wise

Better Bees gain deserved reward
By Bridport News reporter Rob Meech
IMPROVING Bridport continued their renaissance with an obdurate performance that secured a deserved point at mid-table Keynsham Town.
Matt Condliffe and Dan Wise netted either side of Fabian McCarthy's brace in an action-packed first half, which facilitated the Bees' first discernible success in six away Toolstation League matches.
Emulating last weekend's annihilation of Backwell United was always going to be an improbable task; but this result against high-calibre opposition further portrays the Dorset club's progress.





When Condliffe was rewarded for his perseverance after quarter of an hour with his 13th goal this season, the visitors harboured hopes of a second successive victory in Division One.
However, the skilful McCarthy quashed these thoughts and subdued Bridport with two delightful goals that oozed class.
He equalised after 25 minutes when his powerful shot evaded keeper Lee Cleal and smashed into the apex of the goal, and four minutes before half time a jinking run and crisp strike yielded his and the hosts' second.
Then arrived the pivotal moment of the match, when on the cusp of half time Ashley Clarke was felled and the referee, after some deliberation, awarded a penalty.
Whether the offence was committed inside the area was debatable, but Wise had no qualms and tidily dispatched the spot-kick to level.
The new central defensive partnership of Ryan Hayter - captaining the side in the absence of unavailable skipper Darren Stewart - and Paul Fellows gelled nicely and negated the threat that playmaker McCarthy posed in the second period.
Most of Keynsham's attacks centred on inswinging crosses into the box aided by the wind, but Bridport defiantly rebuffed any emerging danger.
In stark contrast to the first period, second half chances were sparse for both sides, although Luke Clennell arguably should have stolen the three points deep into injury time but fired into the side netting with the goal at his mercy.
A winner would have been churlish though, and caretaker-manager Mark Lock was delighted to have witnessed another accomplished display.
It was a very good point for us because we haven't got too many away from home this season,'' he said.
We always want to win but I would have taken a point before the match, and it was good that we continued on from last week and didn't undo our good work.'' He added: Hopefully we can start playing this way week in, week out, and become more consistent.''

Bees: Cleal, Stordy, Ritchie, Hayter, Fellows, D Lock, Legg, Coggins, Condliffe, Clarke (Evans, 67), Wise.
Attendance: 14


HORACE SAYS WE'RE S-A-F-E!
The Bees seemingly secured another season in Div One today with a 2-2 draw at Keynsham.
Two home matches left, Tuesday and Saturday.....
As long as the League stick to their promise to only relegate one team the Bees are now mathematically safe after Weston's defeat today.
If they made it two relegated then Almondsbury would need 5 wins from their last six (and Bridport to get none) to overtake the Bees.
The plan is that with two 21 team leagues there will be one relegated from, and two promoted to both Leagues. A likely candidate for Div One is Dorset Premier outfit Gillingham
5/4/08
Jon


BEES IN SEVENTH HEAVEN
Bridport went goal crazy at windswept St Mary's, recording their best win of the season knocking seven past a shell shocked Backwell.

With a swirling wind at their back the Bees were one up in three minutes when a free-kick from Jon Ritchie eluded everyone with Bees defender Paul Fellows distracting keeper Gary Clarke as the ball went in off of the far post. Bridport went in 2-0 up after a Dan Wise cross was powerfully headed past the hapless Clarke by team mate Gary Rowsell five minutes before the break. With the Bees playing into the wind from the restart the consensus amongst the home support was that Backwell were still in it, but that fear was extinguished on 65 minutes when Matt Condliffe finished off a flowing move converting Wise's final pass. With 12 minutes remaining substitute Shane Evans ended his goal drought racing away from the Backwell off side trap, running fully 40 yards before slotting the ball home for 4-0. Backwell completely fell to pieces in the final ten minutes, conceding three goals from Condliffe after 84, 86 and 87 minutes

FINAL SCORE :- BRIDPORT 7 BACKWELL UNITED 0

Man of the match :- (Matt Condliffe - Bridport)
Best Backwell :- Gary Clarke

Bees:- Cleal, Hayter, Ritchie, Fellows, Srewart, D Lock, Legg (Churchill), Coggins, Condliffe, A Clarke (Evans) Wise.

Sub not used :- M Lock

NAVEL GAZING TIME
In a break with tradition on this site I'm going to write briefly about something Bee-sotted has done.
It's the latest poll in which I whimsically asked who we might like to see as next Bees boss. The truth is it was meant to be a joke and I was halfway through adding Kevin Keegan & Bryan Robson as candidates 4 and 5 when my Broadband link dropped off. By the time I'd bothered to go back on line the website defaults had posted three candidates, Messrs Lock, Hammond & Senior. The rest as they say is history.
I put Lockie's name first as he is caretaker manager. Paul Hammond was at the Westbury game, Mike Young and I exchanged pleasantries with Paul and told him that as far as we were concerned he was welcome back anytime.
As for Trevor Senior, well someone idly mentioned that he would be a good influence and a popular ex manager to boot.
As at 22:18 on Thursday 27th March the poll has had 15 votes, which considering only "Mark E Smith", and 2 or 3 others ever contribute to the site , so far as I know, is quite impressive. Who's voting? My guess is the players. I'm probably wrong but if anyone who has or is about to vote and would like to drop a few hints (I promise no names will be mentioned) either on the message board or directly to me on jonathan_p_smith@talk21.com I'd be delighted to know.
And finally, Steve Shipcott you b***er, if you've been using 13 different PC's at the college to vote I take back all the nice things I said about you at your wedding. And when's that 1992 copy of When Saturday Comes being returned?....
Jon
27/03/08



THERE'S A MONSTER COMING OVER THE HILL
No, not Jamie Manley, I'm referring to relegation. True the Bees only need seven points from the remaining nine games but having los the last seven and not having won since January..........
Anyway, here's today's report.

Bridport’s defensive frailties were exposed again as they slumped to their seventh consecutive League defeat. Westbury were ahead after 26 seconds when a corner found an unmarked, bemused James Hayter who headed in from 10 yards out. With a howling wind at their back it was amazing that the visitors didn’t increase their lead with Tarick Yachou having a shot blocked and Wayne Wheeler having a chipped shot cleared off of the line by Paul Fellows in the first 20 minutes. The Bees started the second half at a canter with Darren Lock and Russell Legg both going close, but Westbury were two up on 52 minutes when Wheeler headed home. It was game over six minutes later when Sayeed Ibrahim raced down the right wing unmarked before crossing for Luke Smith to ram home. Home skipper Darren Stewart reduced the deficit when a wind assisted corner cleared everyone leaving him to bend over to head the ball home from six yards. The final nail in Bridport’s coffin came as Wheeler raced through from midfield to plant the ball past the despairing home keeper Lee Cleal with ten minutes remaining..
FINAL SCORE:- BRIDPORT 1 WESTBURY UNITED 4
Man of the match :- Sayeed Ibrahim (Westbury)
Best Bee :- Russell Legg
Bees:- Cleal, Churchill, Ritchie, Fellows, Stewart, M Lock, Hayter, Coggins, Legg, Wise, Evans (Condliffe). Sub not used:- M Lock

NOT A GOOD FRIDAY
SHERBORNE 3 BRIDPORT 0
NEW manager, same result for hapless Bridport, who christened temporary boss Mark Lock's inaugural match in charge with a sixth consecutive Toolstation Western League Division One defeat.

A Good Friday it certainly wasn't for the embattled Bees, who were outclassed by top-of-the-table Sherborne in front of a bumper crowd at Raleigh Grove.





Two goals at either end of the first half and a crisp strike 10 minutes before full-time rejuvenated the stuttering hosts' promotion push, and sentenced the visitors to another defeat that leaves them glancing anxiously over their shoulders.
Even under the auspices of Lock, Bridport failed to exorcise their perennial defensive demons and conceded within five minutes.
A well-directed free kick from the edge of the area fell invitingly on to the head of Sherborne captain Steve Burton, who was able to nod the ball past the statuesque Lee Cleal.
Perhaps the home side sensed that the floodgates would open but this didn't transpire and their complacency almost cost them dear. A precise through ball from Tom Coggins found Shane Evans's defence-splitting run, but the striker's lack of confidence was palpable and his inexplicably tentative shot failed to test the keeper.
Despite displaying an abundance of style and panache, Sherborne lacked sufficient substance and penetration.
However, just when the Bees thought they would reach the solace of half time only one goal behind, an innocuous hack over the top was latched on to by Chris Luke, who casually shrugged off Andrew Thornton to lob Cleal and double Sherborne's advantage.
Fair reflection it might have been but Bridport were seething and even the fresh impetus provided by substitute Steven Churchill proved futile as Burton continued to dictate the midfield.
The visitors appeared lethargic throughout and even the normally dependable duo Dan Wise and Matthew Condliffe were largely anonymous and failed to make any impact on a prudent Sherborne back-line.
The home side were so comfortable that they at times resorted to showboating to enliven proceedings but still managed to extend their unassailable lead when Marc Caines was rewarded for his tenacity with a fierce strike that found the bottom corner and sealed a deserved victory.
Boss Lock will be dissatisfied with the start to his tenure but has the chance to rectify the Bees' worrying slide by claiming three points from today's clash with eighth-place Westbury United at St Mary's Field (3pm).
Bees: Cleal, Thornton (Churchill, 45), Ritchie, Fellows, Stewart, D Lock, Hayter, Coggins, Condliffe (Ward, 84), Wise, Evans.
Booked: Fellows
Attendance: 146



ROYSTON RESIGNS
Davies resigns as Bridport boss
writes Bridport News reporter Rob Meech

ROYSTON Davies has resigned as manager of Bridport Football Club due to ill health.
He reluctantly tendered his resignation after consulting with his doctor, who recommended he quit football.
The decision, effective immediately, follows a horrid run of results that has seen the Bees slip to 17th spot in the Toolstation Western League Division One.
The Bees have lost five consecutive league matches, and have not won since mid-January, with lamentable defensive errors repeatedly plaguing them.
Davies conceded that his team's recent struggles have had a detrimental effect on his health and played a role in his decision to step down.
He said: "I've been unwell in recent weeks and after speaking with my doctor, I was advised to give up football management indefinitely.

My health is more important than football, and I was getting too stressed out and maybe the results were part of the reason why I've suffered.
"I'd like to wish the club success, and I thank everyone involved with Bridport Football Club who have helped make my time enjoyable."
In a written statement, Bridport chairman Adrian Scadding said he was sad to see Davies go: "We would like to thank him for all his hard work throughout the season and we wish him well for the future."
Assistant-manager Mark Lock will take temporary charge of the first team ahead of tomorrow's daunting clash at Sherborne (3pm).
The promotion-seeking league leaders will be confident of seeing off Bridport, who despite recent fortunes should maintain their Division One status.





WET WET WET
No surprises after this mornings rain, the game vs Oldland was postponed
Jon
14/3/08

WASHED AWAY

Tuesday 11th March 2008
Bridport’s volunteer ground staff and loyal supporters were rewarded for respectively the preparation of the pitch and making the effort to attend on a foul night with a second half performance of monumental incompetence. In their defence the Bees spent most of the second period playing into intermittent squally showers and gale force winds, but manager Royston Davies must take some criticism for altering a winning formation at the break. An attacking looking Bees line up were one up inside of five minutes when Dan Wise beat one player before firing home from an acute angle past the portly figure of Mike Taylor in the Elmore goal. The Bees bossed the remainder of the half with Ashley Clarke doubling the lead, converting a Wise cross with 36 minutes elapsed. It could have been three but Russell Legg’s shot hit the post and rebounded away on the stroke of half time. The introduction of Bastin early on in the half invigorated the visitors and Elmore pulled one back after 58 minutes with Warby converted the penalty conceded by skipper Darren Stewart. Suddenly it was panic stations throughout the home side. The less than convincing Taylor in the away goal was only tested twice and on both occasions he spilled the catch. The Bees were facing a deluge from both the elements and the opposition and they were singularly unable to cope with either. It came as no surprise when Knott’s shot pinged off of a Bees defender for the equaliser after 73 minutes. The final nail in the coffin came with six minutes remaining when Stewart conceded a second penalty and Warby placed the winner past Lee Cleal into exactly the same spot.
FINAL SCORE:- BRIDPORT 2 ELMORE 3
Bees:- Cleal, Stewart, Fellows, D Lock, Wise, Evans, Coggins (Stordy), Ritchie, Legg (Churchill), A Clarke (Skinner), Condliffe



Slump goes on as errors are costly for Bees
By Bridport News reporter Rob Meech







TURNED HOME A REBOUND: Jon Ritchie
ROYSTON Davies bemoaned his side's costly defensive errors as a tangible sense of déjà vu afflicted the Bees, who slumped to a fourth consecutive Toolstation Western League defeat at mid-table Shepton Mallet.
Reminiscent of last weekend's fruitless trip to Bradford Town, the home side feasted on elementary mistakes that yielded two goals inside the opening 15 minutes.
In the aftermath of this latest setback, boss Davies has issued a rallying cry to rouse his players after watching lacklustre Bridport slip to 17th place in Division One.
He said: We made two big mistakes early on and they scored twice with their only shots of that period. Every time we made an error we were punished and we need to cut them out if we are to succeed.'' The stunned visitors never adequately recovered from their circumspect start, during which Brad Peters and the lethal Aaron Lomax both netted for the Somerset side.
Bridport seldom threatened - although a crisp move between Shane Evans, Dan Wise and Matthew Condliffe led to a searing Jon Ritchie shot that had to be parried over.
An uncharacteristic miss from Lomax on the cusp of half-time kept the deficit at two, and the St Mary's Field outfit capitalised with conditions in their favour during the second half.





Condliffe's marauding advance skinned a mesmerised defender, and his low right- footed effort beat the obscured keeper's forlorn dive.
The Bees were buzzing, but just when composure was paramount, Shepton were gifted a crucial third goal.
From a precariously situated free-kick, Ben Lacey's venomous cross was deflected past the stranded Lee Cleal, who could only watch helplessly.
The visitors did not surrender though, and substitute Ashley Clarke, on for the injured Evans, made an immediate impact.
A high corner swung in by the irrepressible Wise found Clarke, whose header was not sufficiently dealt with, and an obliging Ritchie turned home the rebound.
The Bees diligently searched for the leveller, however, it was not forthcoming, and Shepton profited as Peters hammered home his second to seal Bridport's fate.
Davies added: I thought we were in a position to do well despite having six players unavailable, but we weren't big enough or strong enough and every loose ball was won by them. We need to play with confidence, but you can only achieve that by winning and at the moment we aren't doing so."
Bees: Cleal, Stordy, Hayter, D Lock, Stewart, Symes, (M Lock 90), Wise, Thomas, (Clarke 65) Ritchie, Condliffe, Evans, (McClements 71)
FINAL SCORE :-SHEPTON MALLET 4 BRIDPORT 2
Attendance: 46
Booked: D Lock, M Lock




HIT ME WITH A MALLET
Does anyone remember our last relegation season when we were safe-ish going into the home stretch, with several chances to ensure survival? No panics yet, but today was the seventh league game (nine if you include the Les Phillips and DSC games) on the trot without a win.
The report on the 4-2 loss at Shepton Mallet will be here on Monday probably

Jon
8/3/08

ROBBED
Echo reporter Rob Meech reports
THE Bees valiantly recovered from a two-goal deficit - only for a sting in the tale to cruelly deny them a thoroughly deserved point at Bradford Town.
A rousing second half performance in which Bridport scored twice was rendered futile, as the home side netted in the dying minutes with a lamentable goal that epitomised the luckless visitors' day.
Diminutive Bradford midfielder Russ Whately latched on to a poorly defended free-kick, and his speculative shot somehow found captain Jerad O'Pray, who poked the ball through the legs of onrushing keeper Lee Cleal.
With the blustery wind acting as an able 12th man, Bradford took advantage of the visitors' smaller side by pumping long balls upfield.
Their goals were carbon-copies, too, as prolific striker Steve Roddy twice pounced on an erroneous Bees' defence, who could not competently deal with the aerial attack.
Despite being behind at the interval, the St Mary's Field outfit benefited from the conditions in the second half, but were also endearingly content to play passing football.

And deservedly, the Bees reduced the arrears 15 minutes into the second half, after robust striker Ashley Clarke put through Dan Wise, who cannily lobbed the keeper.
The visitors were galvanised and, playing with authority and confidence thereafter, snuffed out any attack the home side could muster.
Parity was then restored when the influential Wise threaded the ball to Matthew Condliffe, who, to his unconfined delight, watched his rasping effort cannon in off a post.
The Bees sensed they were in the ascendancy and could have gained the lead, but Shane Evans hit a post with a deft touch, and then, to his bewilderment, flashed inches wide with an adventurous overhead kick minutes later.
However, it seemed the intrepid visitors would still return with a crucial point, until O'Pray became the purveyor of salvation for Bradford.
Visiting boss Royston Davies was disconsolate at the result, but, given the circumstances, praised his side's attitude and endeavour.
He said: "It was disheartening but with five of our regular players unavailable, I thought the boys did very well.
"Schoolboy errors gifted them a two-goal lead, but we did our best, especially in the second half, to make a victory possible.
"The boys were all very disappointed at the end, but like I've said before we're a very young side and we'll learn from this."
Bees: Cleal, Condliffe, Thornton, D Lock, Symes, Wise, Stordy, Skinner, Churchill, Evans, Clarke



BALLS!!
While Landie Young's organisation of a Ball to raise money for the Bees and other charities on Friday night was a triumph from start to finish, when we read Monday's report of the team' performance on Saturday that almost certainly won't be so satisfactory.
The first XI failed to win for th eighth game in a row, falling 2-3 to Bradford On Avon.

Jon
1/3/08


RED
By Echo reporter Rob Meech


BRIDPORT were dumped out of the Dorset Senior Cup last night and finished the match with only nine men as red mist descended on Weymouth's Wessex Stadium in a tumultuous semi-final tie.
Midfielder Russell Legg and forward Ashley Clarke were both given their marching orders by referee Chris Brokenshaw in front of incredulous Bees' manager Royston Davies, whose side slumped to a 4-0 defeat against the Toolstation Western League Division One rivals.
Legg was dismissed for two bookable offences, the second of which a two-footed lunge on the stroke of half-time that the referee had no hesitation in reprimanding.
And the Bees were further depleted 15 minutes into the second half when Clarke collected his second yellow card for an innocuous challenge.
However, the striker was fortunate to receive only a booking an in an off-the-ball incident in the first half, which involved a clash of heads.
In front of a decent-sized crowd, Sherborne, last year's beaten finalists and the competition's 2004 winners, took control after a scrappy opening.
Bees' boss Davies retained keeper Lee Cleal, and he produced a string of excellent saves throughout the match to minimise the damage.
He was powerless, though, to prevent the Division One leaders from opening the scoring on the half-hour mark.
The ball found its way to the right flank, where Richie Parkinson delivered a pin-point cross to James Thompson, who powered the header home.
The Bees remained resolute until the break, and enjoyed good possession at times with the dynamic Shane Evans the principal architect, but they could not penetrate Sherb-orne's impervious defence.
Cleal pulled off an acrobatic penalty save to deny Thomp-son his second midway through the second half, and it appeared as though Bridport could muster an equaliser.
Advantage A slick move between Ryan Hayter, Dan Wise and Clarke should have led to the Bees' opener but the latter opted to pass to the onrushing Jon Ritchie instead of shooting, and the attack fizzled out.
Clarke's dismissal proved influential as just a minute later, Sherborne substitutes Sam Jarman and Mark Caines combined to double their side's advantage, with Caines getting the decisive touch.
And Sherborne added two more late goals, Jarman netting his first and Thompson scoring his second of the night to complete a resounding victory.
Sherborne now face Portland United, who shocked Poole Town on Tuesday night, in the final, which will take place on April 15.
BRIDPORT 0 SHERBORNE 4
Bees: Cleal, Thornton, Condliffe, D Lock, Stewart, Hayter, Legg, S Evans, (Churchill, 74), Ritchie (Coggins, 69), Wise (Skinner, 65), Clarke

BEES BEATEN BY BETTER TEAM - SHOCK!

By Echo reporter Rob Meech


BRIDPORT boss Royston Davies admitted his side were "beaten by a better team" after the Bees were gallantly defeated at high-flying Larkhall Athletic.
Davies magnanimously claimed Saturday's opponents, who extended their run of consecutive victories to 11 and repeated the 3-1 score-line from the reverse fixture in October, to be "the best side we have played this year apart from Truro."
The Bees were without several players from the 3-2 mid-week home loss to Hengrove Athletic, including Dan Wise, who failed a late fitness-test.
And the visitors made an inauspicious start against Larkhall, who are fourth in the Toolstation Western League Division One, by conceding twice in the opening 20 minutes.
A delicate lob provided the home side with their first, and a precise header from an unnecessarily conceded free-kick doubled the lead shortly afterwards.
But despite the early set-backs, the visitors rallied and, playing neat football, began to create chances.

They were duly rewarded, too, on the half-hour mark, when midfielder Ashley Clarke rifled in a spectacular 30-yard shot to the delight of his team-mates.
The Bees dominated the rest of the half, and boldly searched for an equaliser although it never transpired.
Davies changed the system at half-time and his players emerged with purpose, building on the momentum gained from Clarke's strike.
Shane Evans narrowly failed with an audacious chip on the goalkeeper and Jon Ritchie almost scored from a close-range header.
Substitute Steven Churchill then thought he had equalised for the Bees, but his tremendous shot was hacked off the line.
However, with Bridport pressing in the dying minutes, Larkhall countered and a coolly taken third goal sealed the match and deflated the visitors.
Although disappointed with the defeat, boss Davies recognised the strength of the opposition and was pleased that his young side battled back into the match.
He said: "Larkhall were extremely impressive both individually and collectively and it's just as shame for them that their run has come this late-on in the season.
"But I was happy with my players and I think 3-1 flattered them, as we created a lot of chances, especially during the second half.
"With a little bit of luck we could have come away with a point, which would have been a good and deserved result."
The Bees remain 16th in the table following this latest defeat, but still have games in hand on many of the sides above.
Bees: Cleal, Stewart, Condliffe, Thornton, Fellows (Churchill, 60), Hayter, Legg, Ritchie, D Lock (Skinner 70), Evans, Clarke


NO LARK IN THIS PARK
Bridport lost 3-1 at 4th placed Larkhall today (23/2/08)
Jon


ROYSTON'S BEES BLUES
You knew it was going to be one of those nights when on arriving at the ground you discovered that the Bees would be playing in all light blue (the away strip). Except that some of the shorts were dark blue and some of the shorts numbers didn't match the shirts. Apparently Royston had asked if we could play in all white....... The rationale was that the players could pick each other out better under flood lights wearing blue as opposed to red; hmmmm. And there was no programme. And it was freezing cold.

The only item of note in the first half was a 44th minute penalty conceded by Darren Lock, feebly converted by Hengrove's No. 3.

The visitors were quickly 2-0 to the good in the second half, a poor back pass enabling their No. 6 to shoot home after 51 minutes. When Hengrove hit the bar with 66 minutes elapsed it seemed only a matter of time before they were out of sight, but the Bees staged a credible comeback. With 20 minutes remaining a stuttering move saw Russel Legg pull one back from 12 yards. Eight minutes later substitute Matt Condliffe was unlucky when he hoisted a right wing cross onto the top of the bar and over. And the fight back seemed complete when as predicted by the player himself, Paul Fellows towered above the visiting defence to convert a corner with 83 minutes elapsed.
Hengrove snatched a dramatic if slightly undeserved winner when more poor defensive work from the nervy Lee "Away!" Cuff allowed Hengrove 14 to volley home a superb shot.

FINAL SCORE:- BRIDPORT 2 HENGROVE ATHLETIC 3

Bees :- Cuff, Thornton, Symes (Condliffe), D Lock, Fellows, Hayter (Skinner), Coggins, Ritchie (Stewart), Legg, Wise, Evans.



LUCKY,LUCKY, LUCKY!!
Bridport snatched an undeserved point with a 95th minute equaliser to foil Minehead who had seemingly won the points with two goals in the last 13 minutes of normal time. The Bees were seemingly in total control of the first half with Dan Wise, Ashley Clarke, Jon Ritchie and Russell Legg all putting convertible shots wide. Skipper Tom Coggins rifled in a close range shot from a Wise cross on 33 minutes, giving the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead. The introduction of Mickey Burnes at the break seemed to inspire Minehead and they drew level in the 79th minute when substitute Sam Hutchings headed home from a Luke Taylor cross. Six minutes later with the Bees best player, Legg mysteriously substituted, Aarron Deekes burst through the home defence to fire past Lee Cuff as Bridport’s all round performance crumbled. With five minutes of injury time played Bridport substitute Shane Evans dutifully followed a lost cause punt forward, only to see Minehead keeper Chris Meredith fumble the ball into his path, and the Bees leading scorer gratefully despatched the ball into the net
BRIDPORT 2 MINEHEAD 2
Man of the Match:- Aarron Deekes (Minehead)
Bees Star Man :- Russell Legg
BEES:- Cuff, Thornton, Symes, D Lock, Fellows, Hayter, Coggins, Ritchie, Legg (Condliffe), Wise (McClements), A Clarke (Evans)
Clarke to the rescue as Hayter sees red
By Echo Reporter

ASHLEY Clarke's stoppage time goal salvaged a much-deserved point for Bridport at Cadbury Heath in Toolstation Western League Division One.
The game was somewhat of a roller- coaster ride for Bees' boss Royston Davies who 15 minutes prior to kick-off had three of his players unable to find the ground, and although going two goals down saw his side fight back to earn a draw late on.
The Bees started well and barely afforded their hosts a touch of the ball inside the opening ten minutes at Springfield.
And the visitors should have found themselves two goals up. First Dan Wise saw his dipping shot tipped on to the underside of the bar by Cadbury's Simon Crawford, rebounding off the goal-line and back into play.
And then, within minutes, great combination play between Tom Coggins and Ryan Hayter eventually gave Jon Ritchie a chance but his shot was unfortunately blocked by team-mate Wise before Ritchie's second bite was saved by Crawford.
The Bees continued to boss the game until a series of Heath corners on the 20-minute mark produced the game's first goal.

Visiting keeper Lee Cuff collected the ball cleanly but a dubious challenge by Heath's Joe Lott caused Cuff to spill the ball and Nick Dyer put it home from ten yards.
The goal unsettled Bridport and within ten minutes they were two down. A cross-cum-shot from the hosts' lively left winger Keith Williams hit the far upright, rebounded across the goal and was knocked in by the Bees' defence rushing back to clear.
Just after the half-hour Crawford came to the home side's rescue once again, saving superbly from Clarke before keeping out Ritchie's free-kick.
Cadbury came out strongly at the start of the second half looking to increase their lead but sound defending by the Bees kept them at bay.
Midway through the half and Bridport were beginning to take control again. Russell Legg broke clear but could only knock the ball tamely over the bar.
Boss Royston Davies then brought on Paul Fellows for Adam Symes, and Dan Jones for Ritchie.
The fresh legs gave the visitors new impetus and with six minutes left on the clock Darren Lock turned the ball into the home side's net despite frantic efforts to get it clear.
However, a minute later, already booked for an earlier foul, Hayter was again in trouble when disputing a referee's decision and he received his marching orders.
But despite the one-man disadvantage the Bees kept pressing and in the first minute of stoppage time Wise seized on a defensive mistake by Mark Cook to cross for Clarke who placed his effort beautifully over Crawford and into the net for the equaliser.
Bees: Cuff, Symes (Fellows 75), Stewart, Thornton. Hayter, D Lock, Wise, Coggins, Ritchie (Jones 77), Legg, Clarke. Sub not used: M Lock.
Bookings: Bridport - Legg, Symes, Hayter Sent off: Hayter.
Attendance: 52

SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE
The Bees recorded a creditable 2-2 draw at third placed Cadbury Heath. More details on Monday probably
Jon
9/2/08

ST MARY'S FIELD TO BE RENAMED
In a shock move today the Bees home ground is to be renamed "The Incontinence Arena". Sponsored by Tenna, the people who make the pads, a club spokesman said "This is a first in British football!"
Alright, before you phone the "Wip-Wop" it's a joke, but the pitch is once again waterlogged and although it can't be helped, it's annoying isn't it!
Jon
4/2/08
A TALE OF TWO KICKS
This uninspiring game turned on two second half free kicks. The first period was contested almost exclusively in mid field. In a bizarre moment Clevedon keeper Mark Selway was booked for a tackle from behind as he pursued a Bridport attacker towards the corner flag on the half-hour. Three minutes later the visitor’s Simon White unleashed a rasping shot which Bees keeper Lee Cuff pushed away at full stretch.
Three minutes into the second half Bridport were awarded a penalty when Andy Woodland fouled Matt Condliffe. The usually reliable Dan Wise could only manage a tame kick, which Selway saved comfortably. Bridport’s best chance to take the lead was squandered by captain Darren Stewart when a succession of chances were battered away by the Clevedon defence, only for the skipper to blast the ball over the bar from point blank range. United claimed the points in the 66th minute when Bridport’s defensive wall failed to protect Cuff. The seemingly innocuous kick taken by Nick Price 25 yards out, drifted in the Bridport net to claim the points.
FINAL SCORE:- BRIDPORT 0 CLEVEDON UNITED 1
Man of the Match:- Andy Harvey (Clevedon)
Best Bee:- Russell Legg

Bridport:- Cuff, Symes, Thornton, Stewart, Lock, Condliffe, Coggins, Hayter (Ritchie), Wise (A Clarke), Legg, Curwood (Cleal)
Bees not disgraced by Cornwall’s best
SUFFERING FROM APPENDICITIS: Bridport's Chris Senior
TRURO CITY 3 BRIDPORT 0
BRIDPORT were unable to cause a shock in the Les Phillips Cup as they were knocked out by FA Vase holders, and higher league opponents Truro City.
The Bees knew they would be without wide-men Shane Evans and Dan Wise earlier in the week but they were hit by the blow of losing Chris Senior to appendicitis 24 hours before kick-off.
Bridport manager Royston Davies said after the match: "I was pleased that our game plan worked to a point. I hoped that we could keep them at bay and then maybe take any chance that came our way, although in the end it did not work out I'm pleased with the way the lads coped against a side of some class."
City, runaway leaders at the top of Toolstation Western Premier League, took control of the game from the off with skipper Joe Broad pulling the strings. Within minutes of the start Bees' keeper Lee Cuff was called on to make a save from Truro's Dean Stamp.
The Bees' defence worked hard to frustrate the City forwards, and when they did manage to get through Cuff was on hand to thwart them.
The Bridport stopper made at least half a dozen fine saves during the remainder of the first half and his defence limited the Lily-whites to long range efforts. It was clear that Davies was the happier manager at half-time given the 0-0 scoreline.

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Although the Division One outfit started the second half a litt