BRIDPORT Reserves can force their way into the Dorset Premier League top five this weekend should they beat the team that inflicted their biggest defeat of the season so far.

All seemed to be going to plan for the Bees when they led Mere Town 1-0 halfway through the meeting between the sides in October.

But Bridport hit the self-destruct button in the second half as they conceded six times and had Tristan Gale sent off.

Saturday will give Robin Townsend’s men the chance to avenge that thrashing, although, as expected, the fixture at St Mary’s Field (2pm) is in doubt because of the weather.

In the unlikely event that the game does go ahead, three points for the Bees would see them leapfrog their opponents in the league table – but Townsend isn’t convinced the pitch is going to dry out in time.

“The groundsman has been doing his bit to get it on,” he said. “I should be very surprised if it’s on this week.

“I’ve not been down there because I don’t want to depress myself.”

Luke King and Sean Stewart are Bridport’s two main injury concerns with the latter almost certainly ruled out.

And fitness looks like being a key factor as the recent flurry of postponements start having a knock-on effect.

“The biggest thing is fitness,” added Townsend. “It’s like pre-season all over again, but it’s the same for everybody.

“Luke is struggling a little bit. He injured his neck against Hamworthy and has had a recurrence of that problem.

“I would have thought it will be too soon for Sean.”