WESTLAND SPORTS 1 BRIDPORT 4

RYAN Dovell netted on his debut as Bridport got their pre-season campaign off to a winning start at Westland Sports on Friday night.

Striker Dovell, who signed from Hamworthy United, broke the deadlock against the Dorset Premier League outfit en route to a comfortable victory for the visitors.

Chris Clarke doubled the lead with a header before Gary Bulman applied the finishing touch to a well-worked team move to make it 3-0.

Westland grabbed a consolation after a misplaced backpass from Darren Watts left keeper Lee Cuff stranded, but Roger Cummings rounded off the scoring.

And newly installed assistant-manager Mike Savage hopes this result will act as a launchpad for a fast start to the term, which begins at home to Bradford Town on August 7.

He said: “We played some good football and kept the ball well considering there were some new faces in the side. The players seemed to gel.

“Westland didn’t create much at all but that was because we stopped them from playing, although they seemed to be missing a few players from last season.

“Ryan looked a tad rusty but then that’s understandable. He held the ball up really well and could have had a hat-trick.

“Everybody’s fighting for a place and I’m sure we will be stronger this season. Hopefully we can hit the ground running because we have a good chance to achieve something.”

The Bees continue their pre-season preparations with the visit of Weymouth and former boss Ian Hutchinson to St Mary’s Field tomorrow night (7.45pm).

And Savage said: “The game against Weymouth will be a much sterner test and will be a good indication of how we are progressing as a side.

“Hutch will have his players fit and they will be up for it. But hopefully we can match them and show what we are capable of.”

Of his role as second-in-command, Savage added: “It’s a new experience for me but I am enjoying it.”