20.01.24 Chapel Gate

Bournemouth Sports secured back to back wins for the first time in three months with a 2-1 win against Bridport Reserves.

The first half was a scrappy affair with a cross field wind making it difficult for either team to find any rhythm. The visitors from West Dorset went close to scoring when the hosts lost possession in the middle of the pitch which resulted in a Bridport player taking a long range shot, but an outstanding acrobatic save from Sports goalkeeper Tom Straetmans denied him. 

The visitors did take the lead in the latter stages of the half when striker Josh Baker got onto a through ball over the top of the Sports defence to calmly finish past the advancing Straetmans. The hosts from Chapel Gate had the majority of possession in the first half, but were unable to create any real clear cut chances and at times their decision making in the final third could have been better. HT 0-1

Into the second half and Sports looked far more determined and played with more intensity and levelled early on when striker Sam Darlow headed home at the far post from a James Bergin cross. Indeed Darlow almost put his team ahead shortly afterwards, but saw his powerful shot from the edge of the area was well blocked by Bridport captain Jake Mansley from close range. 

Bridport rarely threatened in the second half as the hosts dominated in terms of possession and won a number of set-pieces, but were unable to capitalise on any of these. 

However it was Sports in form striker Darlow that would head home another cross from James Bergin in the 80th minute to give his team the win and three points. That’s six goals in the last four games now for Darlow as Sports look to climb the table into familiar territory. 

Sports – Tom Straetmans, Jake Perch, Cameron Shaw, Evan Crang, Eddie Myers, James Bergin, Jamie Trimble, Gabriel Spennato, Harry Morgan, Sam Darlow, Jack Voisey

Substitutions – Callum Charlton for Harry Morgan (60), Jai Crowther for Gabriel Spennato (80)