BRIDPORT 1 BUCKLAND ATHLETIC 0

WARREN Byerley’s early goal gave Bridport their first league points of the season against Buckland Athletic at St Mary’s Field.

The hosts, smarting after a 5-4 opening-day defeat to Bristol Manor Farm, took the lead in the sixth minute when Byerley got on the end of a Shane Evans cross to head home.

Byerley was in the thick of the action less than a minute later when he found Jamie Symes but the latter’s left-foot effort went wide.

And striker Byerley might have netted his second of the Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash had the referee’s assistant not flagged for offside.

Things were relatively quiet at the other end of the pitch with Bees keeper Ashley Weeks only having one save to make in the first period.

Buckland upped their game in the second half and caused Trevor Senior’s men problems at set-pieces.

Weeks needed to be on his toes to deny the visitors on a couple of occasions, while the Bridport back four defended well under pressure.

“It was a very good result for us,” said Bees boss Senior. “We defended really well after conceding five on Saturday.

“We were disappointed with the goals we let in at the weekend but we put that right with a clean sheet against a strong Buckland team.

“I said before the season that I’d be happy if we could pick up two draws from the first two games.

“I’d have even been happy with one point so to get three is great, and the way we’ve performed in both matches is pleasing.”

With several of his squad coming back from injuries, Senior has had to call on players who might otherwise be involved with the reserves.

And as well as being pleased with those who have stepped up, Senior is happy at the way some of the more experienced players have started the new campaign.

“The lads that have come in have done really well,” he added. “Tristan Gale had a great game on Saturday and impressed on Tuesday.

“Gary Bulman and Dan Peach got a few minutes against Buckland and both did well.

“And Sam Buckler has looked strong since coming back to us. He has had two very good games.”

Bridport are in FA Cup action this Saturday when they go to Hampshire outfit Alresford Town in the extra preliminary round (3pm).

Bees: Weeks, A Symes (Bulman 78), Clarke, Evans, Buckler, Hayter, J Symes, Richardson (Peach 88), Gale (Condliffe 75), Byerley, Dovell. Subs not used: King, Cleal.

Man of the match: Sam Buckler

Attendance: 108