BRIDPORT 3

NEWTON ABBOT SPURS 2

BRIDPORT earned their first opening-day win for five years with a 3-2 win over Newton Abbot Spurs at St Mary’s Field in the South West Peninsula League Premier East.

The Bees had not won their first league fixture since 2018, when two late goals from James Cox and Chris McGrath handed them a 2-0 win at Chipping Sodbury.

And the win will be considered even more impressive against a side expected to challenge for the top six in Newton Abbot.

Before the match there was a poignant moment with a minute’s silence for South West Peninsula League Premier East league director and welfare officer Tracy Banfield, who sadly passed away this summer.

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When play began, Bridport did all the hard work in the first half by taking a 2-0 lead into the break.

Sporting their new red and black striped home kit, Bridport made an enthusiastic start but struggled for fluency.

Newton Abbot also appeared rusty in the opening exchanges but the game was sparked into life by Sol Ayunga, who broke the deadlock.

Ayunga, urged on by boss Chris Herbst to press the Spurs’ defence, pounced on a loose backpass and hassled Spurs’ keeper Mike Parker into an error before rolling the ball across the line on 30 minutes.

Bridport doubled their lead just before the break when Riley Weedon exchanged passes with Harley Brook and fizzed a ball across the box where Tom Richardson was lurking to poke home from two yards out.

Herbst’s men got off to a dream start in the second half when George Calverley made it 3-0 on 48 minutes, side-footing home from 20 yards after a deflection diverted a Brook cross into his path.

Bridport were then guilty of downshifting gears and Spurs roared back into the game during the final half hour.

Bees’ keeper Jordon Scadding needed to make a catalogue of superb saves but his clearance was charged down, allowing Callum Noyce to slot in for 3-1.

Spurs, assisted by a billowing wind, threw everything at Bridport in the closing stages and had a point in sight on 85 minutes when Fin Pearse seized on a half clearance from Darren Lock.

Bridport had their backs against the wall, with Spurs attacking in waves, but Scadding pulled off a stupendous save with seconds to go, somehow clawing away a deflected strike destined for the corner.

Post-match, Herbst said: “We were 3-0 up and then the wind picked up so it was difficult conditions.

“We went deeper and deeper, they gained confidence and scored two. We were clinging on, so it was a really good win.”

On Scadding’s display, Herbst said: “First half he didn’t have anything to do but second half he was peppered.

“At half-time I knew they were going to come out and attack. With a minute to go, a shot took a deflection and straight away I was thinking: ‘Goal’.

“Somehow Jordon’s managed to push it away. He was really good and that’s why it’s good to have a good keeper.”

Bridport are next in action at Torrington on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Jo Scadding, Calverley (Diaz 78), Baggs (Rowe 84), Leader, King, Brook (Cox 78), D Lock, Daniels, Weedon (Parsons 66), Ayunga (Arnold 59), Richardson.

Attendance: 263