BRIDPORT captain Ryan Hayter wants to see his side finish the season as strongly as they can in the hope of pushing for a top-six finish next term.

Compared to this time last year the Bees are in a much healthier position going into the second half of the campaign, their first game of which is scheduled for this Saturday against Cadbury Heath (3pm).

However, whether the St Mary’s Field pitch is playable remains doubtful after heavy rain left it looking like a boating lake last weekend.

When Bridport do eventually get back in action Hayter is eager for his men to keep performing like they have for much of the season so far.

Sitting 11th in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division, nine points off sixth-placed Odd Down (Bath), the Bees have given all the top teams a run for their money.

Hayter is happy with how things are going, although there is one thing that has disappointed him – Bridport’s performances in knockout competitions.

“I think we are doing well,” he said. “The only disappointing thing this season is going out of the cups quite early, which was a bit frustrating.

“The Vase is one that I always want a nice run in because I’ve never had one since I’ve been at the club.

“We did have a hard game at Plymouth Parkway and went into it on the back of a few bad results so confidence wasn’t great.”

He continued: “It’s important we don’t let this season fizzle out and try and finish as high as possible. It’s easy to let that happen when there isn’t much to play for.

“We’re not far off the top teams, we just need to be a bit more clinical when we get a chance.

“We haven’t been thumped or had a hiding off anyone this season. We’ve competed in every game we’ve played in.

“The last three games have summed up our season.

“We played well against Larkhall and could have got something out of it, and Street and Gillingham were the same.”

As far as Hayter is concerned, if the Bees were to finish the season where they are now then that would represent a successful campaign.

He added: “If we finish mid-table we’ll have done really well. I think that would be a good season.

“As long as we progress and get better each season then that’s all you can ask for.

“We’ve got a really good squad and, if we keep everyone together, we can go into next season and really push on.

“We’d love to be in the top six and realistically we can probably get there next season.”

Bees: (from) S Filkins, J Filkins, G Bulman, C Clarke, Evans, Watts, Wise, Luke, Dovell, Richardson, M Buckler, Condliffe, Morley, Staines