BRIDPORT 0 BARNSTAPLE TOWN 2

BRIDPORT were beaten for the first time in the league on home soil this season as in-form Barnstaple Town proved too hot to handle at St Mary’s Field.

The visitors struck twice in the second 45 minutes to sink Trevor Senior’s troops, with their goals coming from James Mayne and Lee Francis.

“I thought they were a good side," Bees chief Senior told Echosport. "I was impressed with them but we were always in the game.

“The turning point really came when we didn’t take our chances while we were on top.

“We can still take a lot of positives out of it. We created chances.”

After a goalless first half, the Bees were left to reflect on coming closest to breaking the deadlock with a glorious chance on 14 minutes.

A cross from Chris Clarke was met by a leaping Sean Stewart who headed against the post from 10 yards out.

But following the break, the visitors, who claimed the Toolstation Western League First Division crown last season, made the breakthrough around the hour mark when Mayne’s effort found the roof of the Bridport net.

Bees keeper Ashley Weeks then made a good stop down to his right and, following that, Shane Evans failed to convert as many as three chances in the space of five minutes for the hosts.

He missed the target when he may have done better, saw a header saved, and then had a strike from range which forced a top-drawer stop from the visiting keeper.

Bridport frontman Warren Byerley then opted to go for a chip from the edge of the area when the ball fell to him – with the goal gaping his effort went just over the top.

Tom Richardson also went close with an effort which was blocked and, while the Bees struggled to grab a leveller, they were punished at the other end five minutes from time.

A breakaway by Town allowed Francis to beat the Bees’ defence and drill past Weeks to wrap the game up and give Barnstaple their fifth straight league win.

The result means the Bees sit 14th in the division, though they do have more than one game in hand on the majority of teams above them.

Senior’s men have won four of their first eight league fixtures, accumulating a total of 13 points so far.

Barnstaple occupy fourth place in the standings, three points off leaders Bristol Manor Farm.

Bees: Weeks, Hill, Clarke, S Buckler, C Senior (Richardson 75), Hayter, Stewart (M Buckler 86), Watts, Dovell (Beasley 75), Byerley, Evans Sub not used: Condliffe.

Attendance: 106