A visit to Weymouth for work saw me within a short journey of a visit to St Mary’s Field, Bridport, for a summer evening’s friendly fixture. The weather in the day had, for once, stayed dry so I went hopeful of an exciting evening fixture.

Bridport FC, known as the Bees, play in the South West Peninsula League (East) and are managed by Christopher Herst. The club moved to St Mary’s Field in 1953, and the ground boasts a 180 seater covered stand. The clubhouse is known as “the Beehive” and the ground has a published capacity of 2000, with a record attendance, of 1150, being recorded in 1981 for a fixture with Exeter City. Bridport finished last season in fourth place and will be looking to secure promotion in the coming season.

Beer Albion play in the Devon league and also performed well last season, finishing in third place and missing out on promotion by just three points. Manager Mark Rooke will be keen to secure the elusive promotion this season and will have travelled to Bridport with his side feeling they have a point to prove, against higher league opposition.

The Beer Albion fans are renowned for their loud and loyal support, being nicknamed “Ye old farts” and I was looking forward to hearing a loud rendition of “You are my Albion” from the away end. In the end it was the older home fans who provided me with amusement during the game with their partisan and comedic comments throughout.

The home side were boasting a new signing ahead of the friendly, having secured Stefanie Stavrianos from Dorset Premier side Balti Sports. Beer Albion had celebrated being able to keep their successful squad from last season largely together.

After a cagey opening 25 minutes, which saw both sides create opportunities without being able to capitalise, it was Bridport FC who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. A long weighted ball met the head of the home side’s number 6 who headed home confidently, to make the score 1-0.

Just two minutes later the home side doubled their lead with a wonder shot from 25 yards out, by Bridport’s number 14, which flew over the Beer Albion keeper’s head and beat my filming skills, to make the score 2-0.

At the half time interval, it was Bridport FC who walked off with a two goal lead. The sun began to sink in the sky, as the teams resumed their places for the second half.

In the 50th minute Bridport moved comfortably 3-0 ahead with a fine cross from the right hand side leading to a close range finish by the number 14, to complete a brace.

The rest of the half saw some heavy challenges and the referee worked hard to keep the game calm and honest.

In the 90th minute a long range shot was drilled home which such pace it caught my filming skills out for the second time, with me just catching the ball as it nestled in the net, to make the final score 4-0.

At the fulltime whistle it was Bridport FC who walked away with the spoils. Beer Albion made the home side work hard throughout the game, but the result was never really in doubt.