BRIDPORT 1

BRIDGWATER TOWN 0

BRIDPORT ended Bridgwater’s run of nine wins from 10 games with a 1-0 victory on a tricky St Mary’s Field surface in their Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash.

A 33rd-minute free-kick from set-piece specialist Andy Martin proved sufficient for the Bees, who also saw a Mark Salter shot tipped onto the crossbar, before the striker was thwarted in a one-on-one situation.

Adam Fricker’s men now sit in eighth place in the standings, nine points behind the Robins in sixth with four games in hand.

Speaking to Echosport after the win, Fricker felt three points were fully merited for his side.

He said: “It was pleasing, we knew it was going to be a tough game. It was a very difficult surface for both teams.

“We certainly deserved the three points and possibly if we took more of our chances it would have made the score a little bit more comprehensive.”

Martin’s goal originated from a foul on Salter, with the linesman flagging for the offence after referee Nigel Whitfield waved play on, but the Bees’ boss was quick to praise his defender.

He said: “It was a great free-kick 20 yards out, he bent it over the wall and into the keeper’s bottom corner. Andy does take the majority of the set-pieces.

“He’s got a cracking delivery on his left foot and he’s certainly not underrated by us, he’s a fantastic player for us to have. There aren’t many better left feet in the league.

Bees: Hutchings, Condliffe, Bailey, McGrath, Martin, Thomas (Cornish 77), Symes, Andrews, Hebditch, Latas (Butcher 72), Salter (Richardson 85). Subs not used: Hill, Rutter