Supporting side before trip in one half of the match? (5)
I believe the answer is:
bride
'supporting side before trip' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'one half of the match?' is the wordplay.
'one half of' indicates taking half.
'the match?' becomes 'bridegroom' (bridegroom is a kind of match).
'bridegroom' with half the letters taken is 'BRIDE'.
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bride that I've seen before include "Marriageable woman" , "The Woman In White, perhaps?" , "one going to church or office?" , "Female at match" , "presumably honeymoon for me?" .)