BRIDPORT 3 BARNSTAPLE TOWN 1

THE Bees climbed out of the bottom three last night following a 3-1 victory over Barnstaple Town at St Mary’s Field.

Bridport have been in fine form of late and they controlled this contest from the outset with Ben Clarke heading them in front following a fine cross from Dan Wise.

Michael Hailu then pulled off a sensational scissor-kick, only to see his effort saved, before another near-post ball from Wise found Ryan Dovell, who made it 2-0.

Clarke then went on to grab a third and although Barnstaple pulled one back after the break through an unfortunate own goal from Matt Condliffe, the damage had already been done.

Bees’ boss Trevor Senior said: “We played well and we were fairly comfortable throughout.

“We went 3-0 up and could have had more and although we didn’t really get going again after the break we were always in control.

“Even their goal was a bit fortuitous with Matt Condliffe going to clear the ball at the near post, only for it to take a huge bobble and rebound into the net off his leg.

“We also nearly had a penalty 10 minutes from time when Jamie Symes was brought down on the edge of the box.

“The referee pointed to the spot but after consulting with one of his assistants a free-kick was awarded, which was the correct decision.

“Dan Wise stepped up but the keeper made the save.”

Bridport are now unbeaten in five and currently sit 17th in the Toolstation Western Premier Division, just above Winterbourne United on goal difference.

Senior added: “The most important thing was the result. It has taken us up a place and that is now just one defeat in eight since Christ-mas, which I have got to be pleased with.

“We have got ourselves out of the bottom three and now we just need to stay there.”

Next up for the Bees is another home game against Larkhall Athletic on Satur-day (3pm).

Bees: Lillington, Condliffe (King 78), Hailu, Stordy (Evans 70), C Clarke, Hayter, Luke, Wise, Dovell (Richardson 75), Symes, B Clarke.

Man of the Match: Ben Clarke Attendance: 60