Football - Harsh words from boss

From the Echo, first published Thursday 2nd Oct 2003.

Screwfix Direct Western League Premier Division

Bridport 2 Frome Town 3

BRIDPORT manager Peter Conning lambasted his players for letting slip a lead against 10-man Frome in the Screwfix Direct Premier Division at St Mary's Field.

The Bees boss labelled the performance `embarrassing' after watching his side make schoolboy errors in a second half completely dominated by the visitors.

It was a wasted opportunity for the Bees to get back among the higher echelons of the division following a couple of weeks of cup action.

"They can't keep making excuses," said Conning, "Saying it's because of this and it's because of that. Most of these players have played a lot of games at this level so they know what it is about.

"Some players just did not perform and I think it was because of a lack of effort."

Despite missing youngster Warren White, Bridport began the game well with some inventive play on the right, especially between Richard Parkinson and Ian Linney.

The two combined to give Jason Thoday a chance at the far post but the Robins managed to scramble away, then Parkinson got up well to power in a header that had Frome keeper Stuart Parris worried.

They deservedly went ahead on 16 minutes when Dave Newland found himself in space on the edge of the box, his great first touch and neat finish was more like a striker's than a centre back's.

Frome should have levelled five minutes later when Simon Austin was adjudged to have handballed in the box.

But Bees goalkeeper Martin Peters fully made up for his mistake in the FA Vase in midweek with superb save from the penalty, diving away to his right to push away a powerful strike from former Weymouth and Dorchester midfielder Tony Pounder.

Bridport continued to pose a threat. Mick Greeno whipped in a free kick at pace that Parris tipped over.

Just before half time, Simon Gale was put through by Gary McAuley, but Parris was equal again with a good parry around the post.

Then the Robins' number one denied Parkinson, who couldn't quite squeeze home the rebound from a tight angle.

But to say this was a game of two halves would be the grossest of understatements as Frome came out hungry after the interval to launch a barrage of pressure on the home goal.

John Hayter had two opportunities early on, testing Peters with a header and flashing a shot just wide.

A succession of corners had the Bees encamped in their own penalty area, culminating in Matt Peters smacking a volley over the bar.

On the hour, Peters made a vital save to keep out Hayter. Thoday had to make a last ditch challenge to halt Peters and on 65 minutes Bunyard tried to curl the ball in, narrowly missing the far post.

The inevitable equaliser came with 18 minutes left, Pounder's in-swinging cross glanced in by Hayter.

Moments later, the visitors were astounded when Richard Lindegaard was shown the red card for what the referee described as persistent fouling.

The one man advantage gave the Bees a brief respite, Gale going close with blistering drive.

The relief was short-lived as Hayter fired Frome 2-1 up, racing onto Pounder's pass to cap a lightening quick break.

Bridport hit back instantly in some style. The ball fell to Austin 30 yards out and he struck a stunning half volley that would have been worthy of earning a point in any game.

But they ended with nothing - pressing the self-destruct button with three minutes remaining to concede a comical goal.

McAuley sliced a clearance and in turn Peters elected to try and kick the ball away, hitting McAuley in the six yard area and gifting substitute Steve Lindegaard an easy chance to tuck in the winner.

Bees: Peters, Newland, Thoday, Austin, Grabham, McAuley, Greeno (Leach 65mins), Gale, Linney, Armstrong, Parkinson. Sub not used: Conning.

Booked: Greeno (dissent), Gale (foul)

Att: 85.

Bees man of the match: Ian Linney

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