BRIDPORT 0

BRIDGWATER UNITED 2

Hiroli 6, Taylor 10

BRIDPORT delivered an enhanced display on Saturday’s 8-1 thrashing by Bitton but were undone by the fast-starting Bridgwater United in a 2-0 loss at St Mary’s Field.

With defensive confidence low after the drubbing by Toolstation Western League Premier Division leaders Bitton, conceding twice in the first 10 minutes did not help the Bees’ cause.

Adnan Hiroli was afforded the freedom of the box to glance home Jake Llewellyn’s free-kick, given for a soft foul against Bridport’s Mike Hill.

And similarly generous defending gave Hiroli the time to literally walk into the area and zip a low cross for Jack Taylor to score from a yard out.

Dorset Echo: Jack Taylor, bottom, scored Bridgy's second goal Picture: BRIAN ROSSITERJack Taylor, bottom, scored Bridgy's second goal Picture: BRIAN ROSSITER

Wellington Jimenez went close to a third in the 14th minute, his rising drive just flying past the far post.

READ MORE: Bridport 1-8 Bitton - match report

Riley Weedon had Bridport’s best chance of the half when he darted into the box and curled a low shot at Robins’ keeper Jake Viney.

Bridgwater’s George King twice blazed over before Bridport were dealt a big blow with a nasty ankle injury to striker Troy Walbridge just before half-time.

Dorset Echo: Troy Walbridge, centre, is helped off the pitch Picture: BRIAN ROSSITERTroy Walbridge, centre, is helped off the pitch Picture: BRIAN ROSSITER

Bridgwater pushed for a third in the second half as Morgan Williams skimmed a shot off Dom McAllister’s head and out for a corner via the bar.

McAllister saved Bridport from the resultant set-piece with a header off the line from Tom Ellis before sub Nick Woodrow headed wide when unmarked 12 yards out.

But Riley Greenwood-Neate, who came on for Walbridge at half-time, was the shining star for the Bees as they dominated the final 20 minutes.

The midfielder, used in a strike role, set up a counter and found Weedon on the left, only for the winger to cut inside and scuff his shot horribly.

Greenwood-Neate was busy again when he shimmied onto his right foot and curled a beauty at goal which brought an equally good save from the flying Viney.

Scadding denied Taylor and Woodrow on the break as the Robins settled for counter-attacks, while Dan Baggs headed wide on the stretch from a teasing Greenwood-Neate corner.

Bridport ended the match on top with two corners but Bridgwater defended them superbly while facing their own goal to see out the win.

Bees: Jo Scadding, Jarvis (Ja Scadding 72), Stanners, McAllister, Owen, Baggs, Hill, Carlile, Boulton (McNamara 78), Walbridge (Greenwood-Neate 46), Weedon. Sub not used: Burwood.

Attendance: 147