BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker was in a bullish mood heading into his side’s league showdown with Willand Rovers at St Mary’s Field on Saturday (3pm) insisting “we certainly owe them one”.

The Bees have fallen short twice against Willand already this season, having been defeated in both the league and the Les Phillips Cup.

But with their first home win of the campaign under their belts after Saturday’s 4-0 win over Chipping Sodbury Town, Fricker is confident his side can turn the tables on Willand when they do battle this weekend.

“We have played them twice already, once in the cup and once away from home and have run them very close,” he said.

“From our perspective, we certainly owe them one, shall we say.

“Hopefully Saturday will be a little bit different, we know we can match them so we will see what happens.”

Bridport’s Ed Butcher was the subject of an approach from Willand in September, but was praised by Fricker for staying loyal to the Bees. He is expected to keep his place this weekend.

Adam Barrett and Elliot Mann are still injured and are likely to be out until the New Year but Louis Rutter is expected to return. Ben Haines is suspended and James Regan is unavailable.

Fricker added: “They are a good side and are strong throughout. They have a lot of strength in depth.

“We know what we are up against but it is good to have played them already because we can try and expose some of their weaknesses.”