DESPITE the current break in play due to the third national lockdown, Bridport have claimed a victory off the pitch.

John Godbold’s Bees have picked up the Toolstation Western League Premier Division Respect Award for September to December in 2020.

Bishops Lydeard, who drew 0-0 with Bridport in a pre-season friendly, collected the Division One gong.

Respect awards are based on referees marks for each club's players, manager and captain in line with FA guidance on respect.

A statement on the league’s official website, read: “The Premier Division award heads to Dorset where the winners are Bridport and in the First Division the award heads to Bishops Lydeard.

“In normal circumstances a presentation would take place before a home fixture, but with games suspended due to the Covid situation the two clubs will receive their awards and vouchers in due course.

“Congratulations to both clubs.”

Meanwhile, the Bees must wait to return to action after league officials extended their break in the season.

‘Non-elite’ sport was already forbidden in lockdown, but the Western League has moved to clarify the situation.

In a statement, league chiefs blamed the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases

“The league has therefore taken the decision to suspend all fixtures until further notice,” it read.

“This update reflects the state of information available to the board but the position may change in the light of new information.”

Bridport have currently only played 10 games of their league campaign.