Bridport (2) v Clevedon Town (0) - Match Report

By Tony Merrett assisted by Dave Wright

Clevedon travelled to Bridport on Bank Holiday Monday for their final away game of the season and put in an extremely lacklustre performance which saw them fall to a 2-0 defeat.

Clevedon had the first shot at goal on 3 minutes when Isaac Reid collected the ball before driving into the box and firing the ball high over the bar.

Bridport took the lead in the 11th minute. Andrew Martin played a long cross-field ball to the left-wing for Edward Butcher to collect and fire past Will Bennett and into the far corner of the net to make the score 1-0.

Bridport had chances to extend their lead on 15 minutes when a Matt Condliffe cross from the left found Oscar Latas who headed wide of goal and a similar deep cross to the far post 4 minutes later found Leigh Bailey but he too put his header wide.

Bridport created another good chance on 21 minutes when a free-kick from the left by Matt Condliffe found an unmarked Oscar Latas but he volleyed wide.

Clevedon had to wait until the 35th minute for their first shot on target when a scramble on the edge of the box saw the ball fall to Joe Hance but his shot was easily gathered by Jason Hutchings.

On 39 minutes Matt Condliffe played a long ball down the left to Edward Butcher and as Will Bennett came out to narrow the angle the striker tried to lob the ball over the keeper but to the relief of the visitors the ball ended up on top of the net rather than inside it.

A short corner on the left by Owen Barry in the 40th minute saw Joe Hance collect the ball and cut across the box before shooting straight at Jason Hutchings.

The final action of the half saw captain Kevin Camargo play the ball through for Isaac Reid but he couldn’t get the ball under control and the opportunity was lost.

As the players left the pitch at the break the home supporters were left wondering how they had only managed to take one of their chances to leave the visitors with a chance of salvaging something from the game.

Half Time: Bridport 1 Clevedon Town 0

Clevedon were forced to use their only substitute at the start of the second half when Sam Holden replaced the injured Kye Mountford.

Clevedon were awarded a free-kick just outside the box on 50 minutes which Owen Barry curled around the wall but just the wrong side of the post.

Bridport created another good chance in the 54th minute when Dan Peach played the ball wide to Edward Butcher whose cross found Braedon Symes at the far post but he blasted over.

Clevedon were thrown a life-line on 70 minutes when a Toby Yeates ball into the box saw James Fisher pushed over and the referee pointed to the spot. Having missed their last penalty the responsibility was passed to Isaac Reid but unfortunately he didn’t fare any better as he placed the ball too close to Jason Hutchings as he dived to his left.

Clevedon were made to pay in the 76th minute when Bridport doubled their lead. Edward Butcher’s run down the left saw the ball crossed into the middle where Mark Salter was presented with a simple tap-in to make the score 2-0.

Bridport looked to extend their lead further and Clevedon had to be grateful to Man of the Match Will Bennett who pulled off 3 great saves in a 5 minute spell. Firstly on 85 minutes Leigh Bailey played the ball through for Edward Butcher but the young keeper was out quickly and saved the shot with his legs. Then on 89 minutes the same player turned provider when his cross found substitute Richard Hebditch whose shot saw the keeper produce a great save. Finally in the 90th minute a corner was met by Oscar Latas and his point-blank header was pushed over the bar.

The final whistle saw the travelling fans wondering how a team that had played so well in their previous away game to win at Buckland could turn in such a tepid performance this time out.

Full Time: Bridport 2 Clevedon Town 0

Clevedon are next in action on Saturday 29th April when they welcome Chipping Sodbury Town to The Everyone Active Stadium for their final game of the season with a 3:00 pm kick-off.

Attendance: 104

Clevedon Town Line-up:

1. Will Bennett
2. Glen Hayer
3. Owen Barry
4. Callum Kingdon
5. Ben Murray
6. Toby Yeates
7. Kye Mountford
8. Kevin Camargo (c)
9. Isaac Reid
10. James Fisher
11. Joe Hance

12. Sam Holden replaced Kye Mountford on 46 minutes

Clevedon Town Man of the Match: Will Bennett