BRISLINGTON 2

N Plummer 1, 33

BRIDPORT 1

Charles 53

NEIKELL Plummer’s brace was enough to hand Brislington a narrow 2-1 victory over a battling Bridport in their Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash at Brislington Stadium.

The Foxes introduced four new signings – Tristan Plummer, Kriss Miller, Reeko Best and the goalscorer – and the latter two were instantly involved in a dream start for the hosts.

Not even a minute had elapsed when Plummer scored the opener, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Ryan Dovell challenged a Foxes’ centre-forward and, with the linesman flagging for a foul, the referee continued play despite most players expecting his whistle.

Brislington were still on the attack and Best then crossed for Plummer to sweep home, the referee awarding the goal without consultation from his fellow official on the touchline.

Bridport rallied after the goal, Callum Thompson bringing a fine save from former Weymouth manager Jason Matthews, while Tom Richardson also squandered an inviting chance.

Nathan Warren missed a couple of half-chances for the Bees but Plummer grabbed his second with a free header in the 33rd minute as Bridport failed to get tight from a short corner, Lewis Dunn providing a pinpoint cross for the goal.

Bridport went in 2-0 down at the break but an early substitution from boss Jamie Manley in the 50th minute got the Bees back into the game.

Manley replaced Thompson with Joe Charles and just three minutes after his introduction the midfielder scored, burying a header from a wonderful Jacob Coombs cross.

Bridport mounted big pressure on the home goal in the closing stages but could not conjure a clear chance as the Foxes survived to take all three points.

Speaking after the game, Manley praised the Bees for an improved display after last week’s 6-0 defeat to high-flying Bridgwater Town.

He said: “Fair play to the lads, they did show good character and came back into the game.

“On last week’s performance to this, it was a lot, lot better. Obviously we’re disappointed with losing the game but we can take a lot of positives.”

Expanding on the Bees’ performance, including debutants Tony Pinder and Tom Salter – the latter dual registered from Westland Sports – Manley saw further cause for optimism.

He said: “Tony had a great debut up top and his work rate was superb. Big up to Tom and Tony, they were major plusses on the day.”

Bees: Wells-Burr, Coombs, Salter, Dovell, Richardson, Warren, Westlake, Gape, Clarke (Cornish 73), Pinder, Thompson (Charles 50). Subs not used: Friend, White, Beals

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