JEFF Roberts claims Calne Town were unlucky to be beaten by high-flying Bridport on Saturday, after they battled valiantly with 10 men in the second half.

Russell Legg slotted home to put Bridport a goal up and things got worse for the Lilywhites before half time when keeper Steve Allison was shown a straight red for stamping on an opponent.

Defender Russell Lodge was forced to fill-in between the sticks but in the 75th minute, sub Mark Dolman levelled the scores when he lobbed keeper Sam Filkins.

However, promotion-chasing Bridport grabbed their winner just five minutes later when defender Chris Senior diverted the ball home from a corner.

“I told the lads they’d need to battle in the second-half and they did that – it’s all about covering that extra blade of grass,” said Roberts.

“I think we were a bit unlucky because we did well with 10 men and I think they felt they could have easily come away with nothing.

“We’re starting to get a full squad now, which should hopefully help with our consistency.”

Striker Dan King made his first start for Calne on Saturday since rejoining from local rivals Corsham Town.

On Tuesday, the Lilywhites squad turned up at Premier Division Bristol Manor Farm but their Les Phillips Cup second round clash was rained off.

Levi Cox and the suspended Jordan Roberts will miss this weekend’s trip to Oldland Abbotonians.