EXMOUTH 4 BRIDPORT 1

BRIDPORT were brought crashing back down to earth by Premier Division newcomers Exmouth Town at the King George V ground.

The euphoria of a 5-2 opening day win was short-lived as the Bees were totally outplayed by their youthful and eager hosts.

In a match spoiled by an over-fussy referee, the Bees' misery was compounded by a red card for new signing Gary McAuley three minutes from time.

They got off to the worst possible start when Nigel Evans was caught napping by lively Town striker Richard Hope, who took his chance well by calmly stroking the ball under Martin Peters.

Bridport were back in it on the quarter hour mark when former Bee Tom Gardner tripped Mick Greeno in the box and Simon Gale dispatched the ensuing penalty.

Paul Pocock thought he had restored Exmouth's lead on 32 minutes with an easy tap in at the far post following good work from Jamie Densham, but he was ruled offside.

On the stroke of half time, Daniel Burwood did make it 2-1 from the penalty spot after Hope went down under Dave Newland's challenge.

Exmouth continued to dominate from the restart particularly with Densham and Hope on the ball, who were a constant threat throughout.

It was Densham who extended the lead with 20 minutes left, showing good control 20 yards out and firing a powerful left foot drive into the bottom corner. Burwood was handed another chance from the penalty spot moments later when Evans fouled Hope, but this time he smacked his kick against the crossbar.

The two strikers combined again for the fourth on 80 minutes, Hope worked an opening on the right of the six yard box and squeezed a shot against the post, which fell kindly for Densham to finish with a simple tap in.

Bridport's disastrous evening was complete with McAuley's dismissal late on after an alleged elbow off the ball that earned him a straight red.

Bees: Peters, Newland, Thoday, Evans, Leach (Grabham 75mins), McAuley, Rose (Parkinson 80mins), Gale, Armstrong, Linney, Greeno. Sub not used: Conning.

Booked: Rose (foul), Greeno (dissent).

Sent off: McAuley (elbow).