Somerset County Premier

Berrow 0 Shirehampton 1

DAVE Keirle’s managerial debut ended in a 1-0 defeat to Shirehampton on Saturday, but the newly appointed Berrow boss says he has taken plenty of positives from the result.

Kyle O'Donovan scored the only goal of the game in first-half injury time to condemn Berrow to a narrow defeat – and Keirle believes a draw would’ve been a fair result and a gutsy display from his side.

He said: "I told the players at training that we need to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and when we play well, win, but after witnessing it for myself I had to contradict myself.

"A draw would've been a fair result, we did everything except put the ball in the net"

The first-half saw both sides exchange half chances, with Shirehampton going close on two occasions and Luke McErlain having two free-kicks go agonisingly over the bar.

The deadlock was broken in injury time at the end of the first-half, with Kyle O'Donovan juggling his way through the Berrow defence before firing into the roof of the net to leave Barritt with no chance.

The second-half saw Berrow create chances - with Cleave making his debut after signing from Burnham - and Eldridge and Rosser all impressing in the attacking third.

Jack West was left wondering how he didn't score after a Cleave free-kick found him free at the back post, but he failed to connect with ball.

Shirehampton hit the bar as they pushed for a second, but it was to be a frustrating afternoon for Berrow as they couldn't quite get that goal they deserved.

Man of the match was Jack West with a Dynamic midfield display

Berrow sit second from bottom in Somerset Premier and host Yatton Athletic this weekend.