Bridport FC vs Bishops Lydeard

MATCH REPORT: FIVE-STAR BEES SECURE RUNNERS-UP SPOT WITH CLINICAL AWAY WIN

Bishops Lydeard AFC 0 – 5 Bridport FC 

Walter C Parson Peninsula League

By Simon Robinson

Bridport FC officially mathematically secured at least a runners-up finish in the Walter C Parson Peninsula League on Saturday with a commanding 5-0 victory over Bishops Lydeard. In what was our final away fixture of the campaign, the Bees proved exactly why they are the division's "great entertainers," hitting a historic goal-scoring milestone while keeping a disciplined clean sheet.

With the three points in the bag, Bridport sit 8 points clear of third-placed Cullompton. While Bovey Tracey remain in a strong position to claim the title, the Bees have now guaranteed they will finish no lower than second. The focus now shifts to our final two games to see if any late drama shifts the title race.

A Century of Goals

The match began with high energy, though it took the Bees a few minutes to find their rhythm. The breakthrough arrived in the seventh minute via a well-executed corner. Darren Lock rose highest to flick the ball into a crowded goalmouth, where the razor-sharp Solomon Ayunga reacted quickest to poke home the opener.

Ayunga was in ruthless form and struck again shortly after. A clinical counter-attack produced a testing ball that allowed the striker to showcase his signature blend of strength and pace; he shrugged off his markers and coolly beat the keeper to double the lead.

The afternoon took on historic significance moments later. Harley Brook delivered a pinpoint cross from the right wing to find Alex Thomas on the left. Thomas finished expertly to net Bridport’s 100th league goal of the season—a magnificent achievement that highlights the attacking philosophy of the squad this year.

Before the interval, Kieren Daniels added a fourth. Stepping up to take a corner, his dangerous delivery swung directly into the net. Whether it was a clean strike or aided by a slight deflection, Daniels rightly took the plaudits for a ball that left the hosts reeling.

Half-Time: Bishops Lydeard 0 - 4 Bridport FC

Graft and Game Management

The second half proved to be more of a battle. To their credit, Bishops Lydeard refused to fold and applied pressure on several occasions. However, Bridport remained clinical on the break. Solomon Ayunga completed a stellar hat-trick by emphatically volleying home a cross from the left wing to make it five.

Despite further opportunities from a string of corners, the hosts defended gallantly to prevent the scoreline from widening further. It was a professional performance underscored by the seamless integration of Oscar Lovell into the back line, where he looked naturally at home. Special mention went to Player of the Match Lucas Voss, whose non-stop energy and technical skill were vital in breaking down Lydeard’s attacks and transitioning the Bees into dangerous positions.

The Final Push

With second place now officially in the bag, the Bees return to St Mary’s this Saturday to face Torrington AFC. While midweek results for Bovey Tracy will dictate if the title is still mathematically within reach, Bridport head into the final week of the season full of momentum and pride.

Bridport FC: Solomon Ayunga (3), Alex Thomas, Kieren Daniels. 

Attendance: 61