FOOTBALL

The name of the family-run West Street bakery, founded in 1911, is splashed across the new Bees strip for the coming season.

Husseys - who have been a long term supporter of the club - were pulled out of the hat by Bridport Mayor Geoff Ackerman at the Bees' annual sponsorship draw at the newly revamped Beehive clubhouse.

They received 88 entries at £100 each from local businesses and supporters, which provides the Bees' main source of income.

Chairman Barry Williams was delighted with the response, he said: "Everyone involved with Bridport FC would like to offer their thanks for the continuing support and commitment shown by local businesses.

"Their contribution will help to provide a good standard of football in which to participate and a facility for the people of our town to enjoy and be proud of."

SCREWFIX DIRECT WESTERN LEAGUE

BRIDPORT 1 BIDEFORD 1

A DOUBLE penalty save by Martin Peters helped Bridport become the first side to take a point off title favourites Bideford at St Mary's Field.

The former Weymouth keeper was called into action 17 minutes from time after bringing down one-time Terras trialist Robbie Herrera.

Lee Groves struck the conversion which Peters saved brilliantly only for the linesman to raise his flag claiming the gloveman had come off his line, forcing the referee to order a re-take.

Again Peters denied the visiting striker with a second outstanding stop which was probably justice done for what had been a harsh decision in the first place.

The Bees were trailing at the time following a carbon-copy incident on the stroke of half-time when Peters was penalised for pulling down Ellis Laight.

Groves on that occasion made no mistake from the spot and it was a lead the north Devon visitors deserved.

But once Peters had performed his double heroics, the hosts looked a far more determined side and they got what proved a decisive equaliser on 80 minutes.

Simon Gale's presence saw Bideford skipper Darren Hawkings handball in the 18-yard box and it was Gale who stepped up to fire home the penalty.

Bridport were under the cosh for long spells of the contest against a side packed full of big earners including ex-Terra Matthew Hare, former Magpie Ben Rowe and the highly rated Mike Southgate.

But despite Bideford's superior possession, Bees boss Pete Conning was delighted with his side's display.

He explained: "Bridport and Bideford are worlds apart in terms of finances and there's no way we can compete on their level. I heard that one of their players is earning more than all of ours put together and so it's no wonder they're a good side.

"But I was really pleased with the way we battled against them although I'd be the first to admit we rode our luck on a few occasions. However, it's a great result and a wonderful confidence booster and sets us up nicely for our FA Cup match at home to Street next week."

He added: "In the end it was the penalties that decided it and Martin did brilliantly to pull off the two saves from their second one late on. That definitely gave the side a big lift and in the end I thought we were good value for our point."

Bridport: Peters, Newland (Leach 70mins), Parkinson (Rose 45mins), Evans, Stewart, McAuley, Thoday, Gale, Linney, Armstrong, Greeno (Conning 82mins).