BRIDPORT claimed a fourth straight win with a simple 3-2 victory at Odd Down in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

Goals from Mark Salter, Declan Cornish and Richard Hebditch handed a depleted Bees side a deserved 3-0 lead, and they were able to see out the game despite a late brace from Down.

Speaking to Echosport, boss Adam Fricker felt the score did not reflect a match for which Bridport lost three men hours before the game due to sickness.

He said: “We put in an excellent performance, 3-2 was a little bit flattering for them.

“We went with wing-backs – Oscar Latas and Ed Butcher played there and did superbly well, especially Ed who’s an attack-minded player. To put in a performance like he did was superb really.”

The Bees set the tone for their triumph with a “well-worked” opening goal.

Fricker said: “It was great work from Tom Richardson in the middle to feed Ed who beat his man, crossed and Salts got across his man and knocked it in. It was a really well-worked goal.

“They didn’t cause us too many issues and second-half Dec scored after 62 minutes. We got the ball in the box and Dec made it himself, went past a couple and smashed it in the bottom corner.

“Then the ball was knocked down the left side, Salts made a great run to pull the centre-backs away and played in Richard who was clean through on goal and he slotted it past the keeper.”

But when Down finally built a foundation in the game, they staged their comeback too late.

Fricker said: “Their first was about 10 minutes to go. Ed slid in to a tackle and the lad put in a cross and the striker managed to flick it off the back of his head.

“We were really professional and Jon Vance showed his experience in midfield.

“The last goal was a ball over the top. Jason Hutchings misjudged it and their lad has knocked it past him and he brought him down for a penalty.

“I’m disappointed with the goals but delighted with how the lads reacted.”

Bridport were already without Leigh Bailey and Braeden Symes for the clash before Alan Hill, Louis Rutter and Leighton Thomas all withdrew with sickness.

Fricker said: “We’ve won four on the spin. There was a lot of sickness as well, it made the result more pleasing.”

Bees: Hutchings, Latas, Andrews, Martin, Sweet, Butcher, Vance, Richardson, Hebditch (Peach 80), Salter, Cornish (Thomas 72). Sub not used: Fricker

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