BRIDPORT 1 DORCHESTER TOWN 5

THERE were plenty of positives for Trevor Senior to take from Bridport’s pre-season defeat to Dor-chester Town, despite the visitors hitting his side for five at St Mary’s Field.

The Magpies ran out 5-1 winners in the end but it was only three goals in the last 15 minutes that gave a rather flattering look to the scoreline.

Indeed, the Bees had some good chances to level after Ryan Dovell had made it 2-1 with a composed finish from close range.

Dorchester led at the break courtesy of a strike from trialist Will Agbo, and Phil Simkin’s men, hit for 11 by Bournemouth last Saturday, doubled their advantage just after the hour mark through Ben Joyce.

Agbo and Jake Smeeton scored within two minutes of each other following opportunities for Jamie Filkins and Jamie Symes at the other end, and Dan Smith netted the Magpies’ fifth with virtually the last kick of the game.

“We were on top in the first half and had chances to go in front,” said Bridport boss Senior. “We had big shouts for a penalty and I thought it was a definite penalty for us.

“It was disappointing to concede before half-time with a ball through the middle, but I thought we created a lot of chances.

“Matt Morley hit the crossbar and should have taken one on when he shot from long range.

“Dan Wise put one over the bar and should have scored at the back post when he smashed it wide.

“We passed the ball most of the time we were in their half but Nick Crittenden got more in-volved about 10 minutes before half-time and started to pull one or two strings.

“In the second half, the thing to come out of it was the quality of the finishing.”

Dorchester were under pressure to get a result at St Mary’s Field after their Bournemouth nightmare and, although they got the win, Bridport gave them a good test.

“From our point of view, I’m really pleased,” added Senior. “We’re disappointed with the result but the lads were buzzing.

“If we play like that in our league we’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Bridport host Frome Town in their fourth pre-season friendly this Saturday (3pm).

Bees: S Filkins, J Filkins (Rh Hayter 85), Clarke (Hill 46), Evans (Stewart 46), Watts, Ry Hayter, J Symes, Wise, Richardson (Condliffe 46), Dovell, Morley (A Symes 46)