BRISLINGTON 1 BRIDPORT 4

BRIDPORT returned from a long trip to Brislington with three points after defeating the Foxes 4-1 in their penultimate Toolstation Western League Premier Division contest.

The Bees were looking to halt a poor run of three defeats in a row but got off to a bad start when a misplaced pass allowed Brislington to turn defence into attack.

Left-back Andy Martin was bypassed by a long ball over the top and Oaklan Buck ran through one-on-one with Bees’ keeper Jason Hutchings to open the scoring on five minutes.

Bridport, who were on top until then, reasserted themselves and duly equalised on 21 minutes through the prolific Ed Butcher, who jinked in from the right and used smart footwork to create an opening from which he slotted home.

Brislington held on until half-time but the Bees were still in control as Butcher put the visitors ahead on 53 minutes.

Kameron Andrews piled through the Foxes’ defence and was brought down by the last man – leaving Bridport incensed at the lack of a red card.

However, Butcher then stepped up to bend the free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards for his 14th goal in 15 games since signing from Street.

Ten minutes later, Butcher turned creator when the winger drove at the home defence and squared for Sam Clark to tap home from six yards after ghosting across his man.

Clark was now buzzing with confidence and the forward turned his man 40 yards out to produce a one-on-one situation before chipping the advancing keeper from 18 yards for 4-1.

Speaking to Echosport, Bridport manager Adam Fricker enjoyed his side’s response to Brislington’s early goal.

He said: “It was good, it’s always difficult – Brislington are in the same situation as us with regards to the season coming to a close. The pitch was very bobbly but the lads played well.

“We went 1-0 behind against the run of play. We didn’t make the ball stick and then Andy got caught underneath a long ball and they’ve scored from a one-on-one.

“We reacted and carried on in control of the game, so all round it was a good performance with a few (players) missing, so it made it all the more pleasing.”

On Clark’s brace, Fricker added: “Sam missed pre-season which had an impact but he’s got goals in him – we know that.

“He’s probably not had as much game time as he’d have liked with the form of the rest of the front boys, but it’s really pleasing for him to get a couple of goals.”

Bridport, who stay 12th, host 13th-placed Hallen in their final game on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Hutchings, Hebditch (Wood 70), King, Salter, Martin, Cox, Peach, Andrews, Thomas, Clark, Butcher. Subs not used: Symes, Fricker.