BRIDPORT 0

WESTBURY UNITED 1

Demkiv 84

THE 10 men of Bridport conceded a harsh late goal from Callum Demkiv, giving Westbury United all three points in a 1-0 win at St Mary’s Field in the Toolstation Western Premier Division.

Bridport had been reduced to 10 men after 55 minutes when Luke King picked up a second yellow card.

The Bees were missing Richard Hebditch and Louis Rutter, who are both out with long-term injuries plus Leighton Thomas (hamstring), while Lee Sweet was a late withdrawal.

King was booked in the first half when a Westbury player went through and King tugged his shirt, the referee waved play on but showed yellow afterwards.

After 55 minutes King was off after incurring his second yellow of the afternoon for a late tackle on the byline.

Bridport were the dominant force throughout the match and the first half saw Mark Salter strike in from the edge of the area, only to see the Westbury goalkeeper level to it.

Kameron Andrews saw a missed header at the back post, while James Cox got down the line and struck a shot against the post but which bounced out and away from the lurking Salter.

In the second half, Bridport again tried to force a winning goal.

Leon Wood prompted a great save from the Westbury shotstopper, before a brilliant stop when Andrews bent a 25-yard strike seemingly destined for the top corner, but it was somehow saved.

Westbury struggled to create chances throughout, but Bridport lacked the cutting edge to beat the Westbury goalkeeper in inspired form.

However, disaster struck six minutes from time when Westbury went over the top and Bridport goalkeeper Jason Hutchings tried to clear, but Westbury beat him to it.

United managed to get around Hutchings, and Andy Martin managed to clear from the goalline but Demkiv was able to follow in after the clearance to put Westbury ahead.

Bridport boss Adam Fricker said: “Performance wise we were excellent, to be fair. We deserved more but unfortunately could not quite see it out with 10 men at the end.

“It was always going to be difficult after we lost Luke King, it was always going to be a tough ask. We certainly did not drop our levels after that, we kept going for the three points.

“We can take a lot out of the game, that is probably the biggest plus from my perspective.”

Fricker also confirmed that centre-back Cameron Vere has left Bridport and joined Axminster Town.

Bridport: Hutchings, Regan, Martin, Symes, King, McGrath, Condliffe, Andrews, Salter, Wood (Jones 88), Cox

Subs not used: Hull, Fricker

Attendance: 136

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