BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker praised a “professional performance” from his players after the Bees secured a 5-0 Toolstation Western Premier Division success at Bitton.

Mark Salter was Bridport’s stand-out performer, the striker notching four goals against his former club of three years, with Richard Hebditch netting the Bees’ opener.

The victory caps an impressive week for Bridport, who had beaten Cadbury Heath 3-2 after extra time in midweek to progress to an FA Cup third qualifying round at National League South side St Albans City.

Speaking to Echosport after the Bitton game, Fricker felt the Bees, who were missing Leigh Bailey and Tom Richardson, “should have been six or seven nil up” at the break.

He said: “We were delighted. We did have concerns going up there because Wednesday night would have taken a lot out of the lads.

“It was such a professional performance from the lads. It just goes to show what confidence does for you really. We should have been six or seven nil up at half-time, they were very poor.

“They have got some good players but as a team they were collectively very poor together. I was thinking we hadn’t taken our chances and that they were going to come back strong.

“Once we got the third goal it was game over from our perspective.”

Talking through Salter’s goals, Fricker praised the marksman for his hat-trick strike, which he “coolly slotted” home.

He said: “Ed Butcher, for 45 minutes ran their right-back ragged, he picked the ball up and beat a couple of players and pulled it back for Salts to side-foot in.

“Second half Ed broke down the left-hand side and pulled it back to Salts and the keeper allowed it to slip through his legs.

“Leighton Thomas and Andy Martin freed Salts who just coolly slotted it past the keeper for the fourth and then the fifth was a penalty. The keeper saved it and Salts followed it up.”

Fricker fielded debutants Lee Sweet and Dane James at Bitton and was “really impressed” with both defenders.

He said: “Really impressed with both. Lee’s an experienced player. We know what he’s going to offer.

“Dane was excellent for 90 minutes, solid, strong, vocal and did exactly what we asked, so we’re hoping they add some quality.”

Bees: Hutchings, James, Vere, Hill, Martin, Symes (Sweet 46), Hebditch, Latas, Butcher (Handyside 70), Thomas, Salter. Sub not used: Andrews

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