WARREN Byerley showed Bridport fans that he has lost none of his sharpness in front of goal with a brace in the Bees’ 3-1 defeat of Winterbourne on Saturday.

Starting for the first time in his second spell at St Mary’s Field, Byerley struck twice in the second half of the Western Premier Division clash to secure the three points for the hosts.

Bridport boss Trevor Senior went into the game looking for another positive reaction from his men following their loss to Gillingham four days earlier.

And, with former Dorchester, Weymouth and Poole striker Byerley showing his nous as a goal poacher, Senior got just what he wanted.

The hosts had to come from a goal down to claim the spoils after captain Ryan Hayter handled the ball in his own box and Rob Sivers converted the spot-kick 14 minutes in.

But Winterbourne gave the Bees a way back into the encounter when Tom Richardson was pushed in the visitors’ area and Dan Wise scored the resulting penalty.

The woodwork saved the home side just before the break as Ashley McGrane’s effort hit the post and was cleared to safety.

A long-range shot by Sivers also cannoned back off the crossbar on 57 minutes and it wasn’t long after that Bridport went in front.

Matt Morley was causing problems for the visitors down the left and one of his crosses to the far post found Byerley who buried a half-volley.

And victory was sealed 12 minutes from time when Byerley pounced after the United keeper could only parry a drive from Chris Senior.

“Apart from 25 minutes the other night at Gillingham, Warren hasn’t really played for five weeks,” said Senior of his new signing.

“Saturday was the first time he had played 80 minutes or so in a while and he did well.

“He got into the game the longer it went on and he showed how big a signing he could be for us with his goals.

“It was a good performance all round really. We defended well and worked hard for the points.”

Bridport now host Shepton Mallett at St Mary’s Field tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Bees: Weeks, A Symes, Morley (Bulman 79), Clarke, Senior, Ry Hayter, Filkins, Wise, Richardson (Condliffe 69), Byerley (Rh Hayter 81), J Symes Man of the match: Warren Byerley Attendance: 83