BRIDPORT 2

BRIDGWATER TOWN 0

BRIDPORT earned their first win of the Toolstation Western League Premier Division season with a 2-0 victory over Bridgwater Town at St Mary’s Field.

Goals from strikers Liam Sayers and Lewis Clarke gave the Bees their second win in four days after a 4-3 success over St Austell in the FA Vase.

Bridport’s sudden turnaround in fortunes represents a stark contrast to last week, when the Bees were demoralised by a 5-0 defeat at Buckland Athletic.

Beating St Austell gave the Bees a springboard into the Bridgwater clash and momentum carried through in the early stages as Bridport won a ninth-minute penalty.

Dec Cornish, having scored the Bees’ previous penalty in pre-season, stepped up but saw his effort magnificently tipped onto the post and away by Town keeper Jake Viney.

Bridport remained in the ascendancy and 20 minutes later took the lead as Sayers latched onto a left-wing cross before lashing past Viney for his first Bees goal.

Bridport captain Luke King nearly doubled the hosts’ advantage when his header from a corner wrapped the crossbar.

Bridgwater improved after the break and were the more dangerous side in the second 45.

Dave Thorne pulled a shot wide before Jack Taylor rounded Jordon Scadding and hit the side netting.

Bridgwater also hit the top of Scadding’s bar from a corner while David Pearse and Taylor saw goals ruled out for infringements as Town pushed for an equaliser.

Bridport’s second killed the game, coming against the run of play.

With Bridgwater bodies upfield in search of a leveller, Bridport capitalised as Aston Butcher’s raking pass found Clarke who drilled past Viney from 20 yards to seal victory against a side that beat Bridport 6-0 last season.

Post-match, Bees’ boss Jamie Manley said: “It’s very pleasing and it’s all credit to the lads. They’ve worked really hard for the last two games and got just rewards.

“Every one of them’s put a shift in. It does make a difference when you get players back available.

“We defended in numbers and played some really good football at times.”

Manley reserved praise for stand-out performers Darren Lock and Ryan Leader.

He said: “I brought Darren into the centre of the park just to break play down, and that’s exactly what he did – he did really well, that’s another plus.

“He’s only a young lad but he did really well, Ryan.

“He’s down as a left wing-back. It’s not his natural position but he will grow into it and he’s going to be a good player for us this season.”

Bees: Jo Scadding, King, Holmes, Haines (Westlake 85), Butcher, Gape (Owen 65), Lock (Wood 86), Leader, Cornish, Sayers, Clarke. Sub not used: Carlile

Attendance: 100

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