24th February 2009

FOOTBALL: Promotion hope over for Bees

By Tom Glover

Bridport thirds saw their hopes of promotion effectively ended as they failed to hold on to a one goal lead against a strengthened FC Windowman.

FC Windowman obviously feared the visit from the Bridport side, who were on a seven game winning streak, and had added to their squad considerably with first team players that were out of action.

Even with their bolstered squad FC Windowman could not hold off the third team for long and the Bridport side went in a goal up at half time through Andy David.

The third team tried desperately to retain their lead and Mike Connolly again played well making some quality saves to keep his teams noses in front.

With 15 minutes to go though nerves got the better of the defence and they conceded a penalty which was calmly converted.

Clearly shaken by the equaliser, it was just five minutes before Windowman took the lead with an effort from just outside the box.

Bridport knew they needed to get something from the game and it was an agonising finish for the side as they saw three shots cleared off the line in quick succession after a threatening cross from Sam Day.

The thirds fate is now out of their hands and they rely on the top two slipping up in order to have a chance of promotion.

Manager Crabb said: "It was a pretty even first half but I think we had the slightly better chances and deserved our lead.

"In the second half they pushed on and Mike Connolly made some good saves again but in the end I think it was a fair result.

"It's dissapointing to lose but we worked hard and I can have no complaints because they were a lot stronger than last time we played.

"I think we are to far adrift from the leaders now and I can't really see them slipping up but we are still in the cup so we will turn our focus to that."

Bridport will face Flight Refuel at home on Saturday, February 28th.

Return to news headlines