ROGER Cummings bagged the only goal of the game as Bridport Reserves kicked off their campaign with a fine victory at Poole Borough.

Cummings bundled the ball home 30 minutes into Saturday’s Dorset Premier League curtain-raiser after Tristan Gale had seen his shot rebound off the woodwork.

A maximum haul was no less than Bridport merited for a robust performance that limited much-fancied Poole to few goal-scoring opportunities.

Joint-manager Steve Crabb was thrilled to have masterminded an opening-day victory that augers well for a season of promise in the wake of years of hard toil.

He said: “In the first half we were excellent and created some really good chances. We had been knocking on the door before we scored the goal.

“The scoreline at half-time was a pretty fair reflection of the game but to be honest we wouldn’t have been flattered if we had been two or three goals ahead.

“Poole bossed possession in the second half but didn’t create anything. We didn’t create as much either, but our back three and keeper were excellent.

“Locky (Mark Lock) and I said before the game that we wanted to be competitive and that’s exactly what we were. The lads deserve credit for sticking to the game plan.”

Prior to the strike from Cummings, Gale posed problems and was foiled by the Poole gloveman after being put clean through on goal.

And a long-range effort from midfielder Dominic McAllister had to be tipped over the woodwork as Bridport deservedly headed into the break with their noses in front.

The reserves were penned back in their own half for longer periods after the interval, but absorbed all the pressure Poole applied.

Gloveman Lee Cleal looked assured between the posts and was ably assisted by a resolute back three consisting of Ashley Clarke, Alan Hill and Adam Stordy.

Despite controlling possession, the home side could neither unlock the Bees nor begrudge them the spoils for a performance jam-packed with endeavour.

With a victory under their belt, Bridport head into tomorrow night’s fixture at home to rivals Chickerell United (7.45pm) full of confidence.

Bees: Cleal, Stordy, A Clarke, Hill, Jones, Herbst, Cummings, McAllister (Moss 65), Steele (Peart 70), B Clarke, Gale (C Symes 75).