TREVOR Senior has called on his Bridport players to really make themselves heard when they embark on another campaign in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

The Bees kick-off their season at home against Melksham Town on Saturday (3pm), with Senior keen for his side to start as they mean to go on.

Melksham hammered Bridport 6-2 in the corresponding fixture last season and conceding goals is Senior’s main concern going into the new term.

That is why, when the going gets tough, he wants to hear more vocal support from the players out on the pitch.

“We had no problems scoring goals last season, but to improve this season we have to keep more clean sheets,” he said.

“We’ve got a really nice bunch of lads but when things go against us we don’t have anyone who is vocal enough.

“We need more leaders on the pitch to get everyone organised when things aren’t going our way.

“It’s great when things are going well and we’re scoring goals, but we have got to learn how to react when we concede.

“It’s like a slippery slope. When we do concede we are vulnerable to two or three goals quite quickly.

“We need to be a lot more vocal and take more responsibility when things go against us.”

Despite that 6-2 loss, Bridport actually beat Melksham twice last season, once in the league and again in the Les Phillips Cup.

And with the good form they have shown in pre-season, Senior is still unclear as to who will start for the Bees this weekend.

“I can honestly say it’s probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make as a manager for a first game of the season,” he added.

“I’ve got 14 players in mind to start on Saturday so a few will be disappointed, and if they don’t start it’s not because they’ve done anything wrong.

“I could almost put 14 or 16 names in a hat and I would be happy with whatever side I pulled out – it sounds a bit stupid but that is the case.”

The Bees rounded off their programme of friendlies with a 3-1 win over Dorset Senior League side Balti House and a 3-3 draw against Wincanton Town.

They had led 3-0 at half-time during the latter following an own goal and strikes from Sean Stewart and Matt Condliffe.

Meanwhile, the club has confirmed that it won’t be fielding a third team this season.

However, Senior said: “We’re hoping to link up with one or two local teams in the area so players who aren’t getting games with us can get football elsewhere.”