BRIDPORT could add another £3,000 to the club’s coffers on Saturday if they can overcome Larkhall Athletic at St Mary’s Field in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup (3pm).

And the Bees go into the clash in a good frame of mind after seeing off reigning Toolstation Western League Premier Diviison champions Melksham Town last weekend.

Having overcome rivals Sherborne in midweek to book their place in the next round of the cup, Bridport did enough to edge past their Wiltshire-based opponents and record a second league win in four games.

Tom Richardson proved the match winner for Trevor Senior’s men when he struck home on the hour mark.

The Bees’ best chance in the opening period came when Richardson was gifted a free header but could not make the most of it.

Melksham also clipped the top of the bar with an effort from range.

Senior said: “Both teams cancelled each other out in the first half really but I was happy with how we moved the ball about and we played some good football.”

And looking to break the deadlock, the Bees’ got their reward from a set-piece.

A corner from the right whipped in by Shane Evans was headed back across goal by Jamie Symes and Richardson was eventually on hand to control and finish well with a right-foot volley into the net.

Melksham then camped in the Bees’ half for the final 25 minutes looking for a leveller.

The closest they came was through a free-kick which was well saved by Bees’ keeper Lee Cleal, who came into the side to replace the unavailable Ashley Weeks.

But it was not to be for Town as the Bridport rearguard held firm to condemn the visitors to their second league defeat of the campaign.

Senior added: “As a unit I thought we defended really well.

“That’s our fourth clean sheet in seven games which is very pleasing.

“The three points were massive, now we can go to the Larkhall game in the cup and enjoy it really.

“We are the underdogs and we have had a free week to get prepared.”