BRIDPORT RESERVES 3 WESTLAND SPORTS 2

DAN Baggs was Bridport’s match-winner as the St Mary’s Field outfit surged into the Dorset Premier League’s top 10.

The defender, who has been among the goals this season, found the net with a stunning strike just before the hour mark to give the Bees all three points.

Bridport had taken the lead twice in the first half only for the visitors to claw their way back into the game.

Ben Clarke opened the scoring from a corner in the ninth minute but Sam Watts equalised three minutes later.

However, Bridport boss Robin Townsend was adamant the goal shouldn’t have been given, claiming the Westland man committed a clear foul on home keeper Jamie Fry.

Westland then shot themselves in the foot when Sam Gibbs put through his own net.

But it was 2-2 on the half hour when Leo Hayward levelled proceedings.

Townsend and Bridport were grateful to Fry for several key saves that prevented Westland going ahead, while the keeper continued to deny the away side after Baggs’ thunderbolt.

“It was one of those games where both sides probably felt they deserved to get something,” said Townsend.

“We had some great chances to make it more comfortable, but if it wasn’t for Jamie Fry then they could have won it.

“I thought we showed plenty of character to get the result.”

He went on to add: “Dan Baggs scored a great goal and he has been weighing in with goals this season.

“As well as Jamie in goal, I also thought Harry Fleet had an excellent game and Dan Peart was superb at sweeper for the last 30 minutes.”

Bridport lost Alan Hill to a hamstring injury in the second half so he will be assessed before Saturday’s home game against Sturminster Marshall.

Roger Cummings is unavailable for that fixture, while Dan Taylor could miss out too.

Bees: Fry, Baggs, Hill (McAllister 60), Taylor, Stordy, Day (Bulman 45), Cummings, Fleet, Peart, Scovell, Clarke