BRIDPORT 2 GILLINGHAM TOWN 1

BRIDPORT bounced back from last weekend’s FA Cup disappointment to maintain their unblemished league record at St Mary’s Field this season.

But they left it late to clinch another three points as Ryan Dovell’s winning goal came just two minutes from the end of normal time.

And what made the Bees’ victory that more impressive was that they got the job done while down to 10 men following Matt Condliffe’s second-half red card for a professional foul.

The hosts got off to the perfect start when Tom Richardson gave them the lead inside the opening 10 minutes after a mistake by Gills keeper and former Bridport stopper Sam Filkins.

Filkins then did well to save Dovell’s shot and follow-up effort, while he also denied Jamie Symes at his near post.

Gillingham had more of the play in the second half and Nick Hewlett levelled five minutes after the restart with a header.

Richardson was then off target from six yards before Condliffe saw red when he brought down a Gills player who was clean through on goal.

The visitors wasted the resulting free-kick and they were counting the cost of that in the 88th minute when Symes flicked on Ashley Weeks’ long kick and Dovell got in behind the defence to slot home.

“We were better in the first half and they had more of the game in the second half,” said Bridport boss Trevor Senior.

“Gillingham will probably feel aggrieved they didn’t get a draw but there were times last season when we deserved more than we got.

“The pleasing thing for me was that we made the most of our chances when they came and when we moved the ball quickly we looked good.

“The lads were obviously disappointed with last Saturday so it was important we bounced back on Tuesday night.”

The Bees travel to Welton Rovers in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division this Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Weeks, Condliffe, Clarke, Evans, Senior, Hayter, J Symes, Watts (Peach 85), Richardson (Beasley 75), Dovell, Bulman (A Symes 71). Subs not used: Hill, Cleal.

Bridport man of the match: Ryan Dovell

Attendance: 76