BRIDPORT’S unbeaten start to the league season came to an end with a surprise 4-3 loss at Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police.

The Bees had picked up 19 points from their opening seven fixtures in Premier East of the South West Peninsula League, winning their first six.

But they slumped to a narrow loss at GJ Churchward Memorial Ground, against a Stoke Gabriel side with just two wins to their name this season prior to the weekend.

Ryan Gall was among the scorers for Bridport in the first half.

Bradley Rowe netted on the hour mark, while substitute Harley Brook struck late on.

But those efforts came in vain.

Saul Vanes struck twice for Stoke Gabriel, with Frank Major and Joe Aldous also on target.

Bridport ended the game with nine men, after George Calverley saw red on 65 minutes.

James Cox was then sent to the sin bin in stoppage time, in a contest which saw four yellow cards. Three came the way of Bridport with Ryan Gall and Jake Owen joining Cox in the book.

Chris Herbst’s Bridport are next in action on Tuesday, September 26 in the league, hosting struggling Bishops Lydeard (7.45pm).