SLIMBRIDGE 0 BRIDPORT RESERVES 1

TREVOR Senior was cock-a-hoop after his side’s superb win at Slimbridge on Saturday moved them to within four points of league leaders Melksham Town.

Tom Richardson’s third-minute header from a Dan Wise free-kick proved to be the only goal of the game, as the hosts were beaten in front of their own fans for the first time in the league this season.

Bees’ boss Senior felt the visitors were fully deserving of their victory, though at one stage he feared the match might get cut short because of fog.

Bridport made the perfect start at Wisloe Road in Gloucestershire when Richardson glanced in Wise’s cross to make it 1-0.

And the striker may have double the Bees’ lead later in the first half.

Found by Warren Byerley, Richardson seemed to be held back by a couple of Slimbridge defenders before firing wide.

At the other end, Ashley Weeks saved well with his left foot to deny the hosts an equaliser.

Chances were few and far between after the break, though Richardson had a header cleared off the line and the hosts missed the target on two occasions.

“It was a very good performance from us,” said a delighted Senior. “I couldn’t fault anybody and they all played to their full potential.

“It was one of those days when everything went for us.

“Slimbridge never really threat-ened and I felt the only danger to us was the fog.

“It came down quite thick in the second half and we were wondering if the game was going to be finished or not.

“But it did and it was pleasing to be the first team to beat them on their patch in the league this season.”

He added: “It was a great win and we are only four points off the top of the league now.

“But, as I’ve said before, anybody can beat anybody else in this league.”

Ryan Dovell missed the game on Saturday due to injury and he is expected to be out for a couple of weeks.

However, Matt Condliffe, Sean Stewart and Chris Clarke, who were all unavailable for the trip to Slimbridge, are set to return when Bridport go to second-placed Bristol Manor Farm at the weekend.

Bridport sit eighth in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division, a point behind Slimbridge, Buckland Athletic and Willand Rovers.

Bees: Weeks, A Symes, Morley, Evans, Senior, Ry Hayter, Filkins, Wise, Byerley, Richardson, J Symes. Subs not used: Rh Hayter, Gale, Carter