SIMON Gale's tap-in just before half-time was all that separated Bridport and Dorchester United.

In a game of few chances, Gale - last season's Bees top scorer - stroked the ball home from close range after Jason Thoday's free-kick was spilled by goalkeeper Mark Singleton.

But defences were largely on top in a fiercely competitive friendly that lacked any flair or imagination to inspire either manager.

Bridport boss Peter Conning experimented with a 4-4-2, playing new signing Jason Thoday at left-back and Simon Austin on the right.

Thoday made some purposeful charges down the flank in the first period, working with youngster Chris Armstrong, but faded as the game wore on.

Conning is likely to have been most impressed with the experienced Gary McAuley, who looked assured at centre-back on his return to St Mary's Field.

Likewise, United manager Kevin Hillier will be pleased with his new acquisition, former Portland skipper Nigel Evans, who had been a target for Bridport.

Evans played alongside ex-Bee Richard Drake in the heart of the back-four and together snuffed out any danger.

Former Dorchester Reserves captain Robbie Taylor also made his debut, but he failed to make any impact on the left.

Bridport started brightly, spraying the ball around with confidence. Youngster Warren White almost put them ahead on 10 minutes when he skipped on to Chris Armstrong's through-ball and attempted a neat chip that just dropped wide.

In the second half, Dorchester's best opportunity came when Steve Churchill's searching cross was met on the volley by Ben Buckler.

Bridport: Peters, Austin, McAuley, Grabham, Thoday, Armstrong, Gisborne, White, Radcliffe, Marc Hillier, Gale. Subs used: Flann, Leach, Conning, Greeno, Parkinson.

Dorchester United: Singleton, Davis, Drake, Evans, Kemp, Legg, Cleal, Yates, R Churchill, Martin Hillier, Taylor. Subs used: Budin, Kelly, J Hillier, S Churchill, Beale, Buckler, Dennis.