BRIDPORT 2

Latas 14, Salter 87

CLEVEDON TOWN 0

MARK Salter scored his 500th career goal as Bridport ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Clevedon Town in their Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash at St Mary’s Field.

Salter, 38, rose highest to head home a corner on 87 minutes and seal the points for Bridport, who had gone ahead on 14 minutes through Oscar Latas’ arcing header.

Bridport had just one moment of caution when Jason Hutchings was called upon to keep out Saikou Janneh’s shot, but the Bees responded when Ed Butcher struck the crossbar before Salter’s milestone goal.

Speaking to Echosport, Bees’ boss Adam Fricker spoke highly of Salter following his rare achievement.

He said: “That was the most pleasing thing for us. What he’s achieved in football is absolutely phenomenal. I played with him early in his career and now to manage him it’s been an absolute pleasure.

“He’s been so professional and an absolute credit to himself. I think he was glad just to put it to bed and hopefully have a superb end to the season.

“I don’t think there’s many people at the age of 38 that are playing the level Salts is playing at.”

Fricker also reserved praise for Latas, who scored his fourth goal of the season.

He said: “Oscar has worked so hard. He’s always been a fit lad but it’s his final ball and his positional sense now.

“At present he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet because of what he offers us. He really has been impressive this season.”

Commenting on the victory, Fricker was delighted to have won with several “tired legs” in his team after Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Bitton.

He said: “The lads always respond and Thursday was a frustrating game for many reasons.

“With Thursday in mind we had some tired legs out there. We freshened it up with three changes and the lads did what they needed to do.”

Bridport now face a trip to champions Street tomorrow (7.30pm).

Fricker said: “It goes without saying it’s going to be tough. We’ve had a run of games so we’re going to have to utilise the squad.

“Their fantastic winning run of 26 games came to an end, but we’ve had some great results this season and beat them in the FA Cup and ran them close at our place, so we’ll go up there in confident mood.”

Leigh Bailey and Andy Martin return, but Lee Sweet and Matt Condliffe miss out.

Bees: Hutchings, Condliffe (Peach 58), Sweet, Symes (Hebditch 82), Rutter, McGrath, Thomas (Cornish 68), Andrews, Salter, Butcher, Latas. Subs not used: Hill, Richardson

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