BRIDPORT 2

MELKSHAM TOWN 3

BRIDPORT had a comeback from 2-0 down thwarted as Luke Ballinger struck a second half winner for Melksham Town in their 3-2 Toolstation Western Premier Division win.

Goals from Gary Higdon, Rob Hobbs and Ballinger saw Melksham, who had Weymouth’s Mark Cooper in their ranks, seal victory despite Richard Hebditch and Chris McGrath scoring for Bridport.

The Bees had started well and created a chance for Tom Richardson, who went close for the home side after an incisive ball from Andy Martin, which saw Richardson get past the keeper but not the Town defender, who cleared.

Matt Condliffe conceded a penalty for Bridport which which was tucked away by Higdon to open the scoring on the 28th minute.

Hobbs then bundled in after a corner had been swung into the Bridport box and headed back across for Hobbs to tuck in a minute later.

Hebditch then fired into the bottom corner for the Bees after good work from Kameron Andrews and Oscar Latas in the 38th minute.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Bridport doing well before a Martin corner saw McGrath level for Bridport.

Disaster then struck for the Bees as from a free-kick into the Bridport box McGrath tried to head clear but the ball fell to Ballinger in the 70th minute who struck what proved to be the winner.

Bridport: Hutchings, Condliffe, Rutter, McGrath, Martin, Latas, Andrews, Bailey, Butcher (Thomas 60), Hebditch, Richardson

Subs not used: Peach, Hill, Cornish, Smith