DORCHESTER TOWN U23s 3

BRIDPORT XI 1

DORCHESTER Town Under-23s came out on top with a comfortable 3-1 friendly victory over a Bridport XI at the Avenue Stadium.

Against a young Western League outfit, Oakley Hanger’s Magpies were not overawed and delivered an impressive display.

Both teams served an respectful minute’s silence for young Jack Lonergan, who tragically passed away this month.

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Bridport started strongly with Antony Carlile and Troy Walbridge causing trouble up front.

And the Bees duly took the lead in the 14th minute when an unplayable inswinging cross from Devin Fry picked out the unmarked Walbridge to steer a volley inside the far post.

Bridport nearly added a sublime second when John Pritchard’s 60-yard lob crashed against the post.

Dorchester rallied and equalised when Dan Neild’s free-kick was turned home by centre-back Josh Baxter in the 29th minute.

Bridport could not live with Dorchester in the second half and a delicious through ball by Ben Fowles picked out 16-year-old Brin Doyle who slotted a composed finish past Bees’ captain Jordon Scadding.

The impressive Doyle bagged a brace when his sweet strike on the right edge of the box beat Scadding for pace in the 71st minute.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Dorchester U23s beat Bridport XI 3-1 Picture: NEIL WALTONDorchester U23s beat Bridport XI 3-1 Picture: NEIL WALTON

Bridport had to settle for a two-goal deficit when Riley Greenwood-Neate hit the post and Fry forced a sharp stop from Magpies’ keeper Mike Edgar, whose momentum was travelling the other way.

The sides will meet again in two weeks at St Mary’s Field.

Magpies U23s: Edgar, Phillips, Foot, Baxter, Calverley, Fowles, Callow, Neild, Leake, Doyle, Arnold. Subs: Morris, Carter, Steele, Loder.

Bridport XI: Jo Scadding, Pritchard, Ja Scadding, Owen, Adler, Chinnock, Burwood, Lawrence-Napier, Walbridge, Carlile, Fry. Subs: Moggeridge, James, Gear, Thurgood, Greenwood-Neate, Rossiter.

*Donations to a fundraiser for a charity chosen by Jack Lonergan's family can be made here: https://gofund.me/1a334d0f