THREE headed goals helped Bridport march past higher-league Welton Rovers and into the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

Emerging star Jamie Symes scored twice in the first half at St Mary’s Field to set up a victory that Ryan Dovell sealed when he netted eight minutes from time.

Welton were subdued and outclassed by a Bees outfit who were not at their best but whose supremacy was never seriously threatened.

Gloveman Sam Filkins had barely a save of note to make as Bridport booked a home tie against Zamaretto League Division One S&W side Clevedon Town on August 28.

Bees’ boss Trevor Senior said: “It wasn’t the best performance but we had a couple of spells where we knocked it about well and that’s where we won the game.

“Welton came to park the bus here. It wasn’t until we started getting down the wings that we caused them a few problems, because it was too congested in the middle.

“I thought they might come at us once we got the first goal but they didn’t. Our three centre-halves defended well, and I’m pleased to get through.”

One negative for Bridport was another blow to injury-jinxed striker Matt Moors, who landed awkwardly on his right ankle and hobbled off while looking suspiciously at the pitch.

But Senior played down the severity of the knock, adding: “He could walk and put weight on his ankle. He’s not available next week anyway so it gives him extra time to recover.”

Darren Watts and Chris Clarke made way for Dan Wise and Moors for the visit of Welton, who sit one step above the Bees on the football pyramid.

Despite a couple of early forays forward, Welton played second fiddle to the hosts, who drew first blood when Symes wriggled free to redirect a Wise corner into the net.

And the same double act combined for the second goal on 38 minutes, Symes heading the ball over Clayton Dando from another pinpoint delivery.

Welton enjoyed more possession after the restart but lacked pen- etration as the defensive trio of Darren Lock, Chris Senior and Ryan Hayter snuffed out any mounting attacks.

The plight of Moors, who underwent keyhole surgery on his right knee less than three months ago, caused much concern among the Bridport entourage.

With all three substitutes on, Moors’ exit meant the Bees were down to 10 men for the last 15 minutes, but instead of sitting on their two-goal cushion, they sought a third.

And it arrived when Wise crossed for Dovell to convert and keep Bridport – who have pocketed £750 in prize-money – alive in the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.

Bees: Filkins, A Symes (Evans 63), Condliffe (C Clarke 63), Lock, Senior, Hayter, J Symes, Wise, Moors, Dovell, Legg (Watts 63).

Man of the Match: Jamie Symes Attendance: 128