CHIPPING SODBURY 0

BRIDPORT 2

BRIDPORT got their Toolstation Western Premier Division campaign off to a flying start as a late double from Chris McGrath and debutant James Cox sealed victory.

The journey, one of Bridport’s longest of the season, saw them return home with all three points after a superb second-half performance.

Bridport welcomed back Kameron Andrews, Lee Sweet and Chris McGrath from injury for the encounter.

The first half was a stalemate as both sides struggled to threaten the opposition goalkeeper.

Chances were few and far between as the two sides went in level at the break.

Bridport were in control and improved in the second half but struggled for sharpness in front of goal.

Oscar Latas went one-on-one with the goalkeeper but could not capitalise as Bridport looked for the lead.

The Bees were putting pressure upon the goalkeeper, forcing some scrambled clearances and some saves without ever looking like seriously scoring.

However, the Bees got the breakthrough when Sweet whipped in a corner and McGrath was at the back post to head home in the 77th minute.

Their lead was doubled when Richard Hebditch got down the side and squared it across the box for 17-year old Cox to slide in at the back post.

Bridport boss Adam Fricker said, when asked if he was relieved: “Yes definitely.

“Obviously we had Kameron Andrews, Lee Sweet and Chris McGrath back, three of the back four, which made a massive difference for us.

“It was just a great game in really dry, hot bobbly circumstances so we are really pleased.

“It was not a game of out and out chances, to be honest.

“Our main focus was just to get three points in the first game of the season and we put in a good performance on the back of it as well.

“We are heading back now absolutely delighted.

“It was good and I am obviously really pleased for Cox as well.

“He has come in for the last couple of games of pre-season and he has done really well and shown a fantastic attitude.

“It is good that he can come on and grab a goal and get himself in the first team squad.”

Bridport: Hutchings, Andrews, Rutter, McGrath, Sweet, Symes, Thomas (Cox 78), Hebditch, Richardson (Wood 88), Latas, Salter. Sub not used: Fricker

Attendance: 130

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