BOSS Trevor Senior believes the hard work his Bridport players have been putting in during the first few weeks of pre-season is already paying off.

After a goalless draw with Weymouth last Thursday, the Bees thrashed Patchway Town 8-1 at the weekend and then impressed their manager in a 1-0 defeat to Dorchester on Tuesday.

Senior’s men host Chard Town this Saturday (2.30pm) – the reserve-team fixture between the clubs now won’t take place later in the afternoon – and the Bridport chief will be looking for more of the same following a positive start to the campaign.

Reflecting on the loss to the Magpies in midweek and pre-season so far, Senior said: “We played really well against Dorchester and we’re looking strong at the moment.

“We were particularly good in the first half and moved the ball around well.

“We defended well and Ashley Weeks never really had a save to make before half-time.

“Dorchester came into it more in the second half and I made a couple of changes to give people minutes.

“So far we are looking a lot fitter and stronger than previous years.

“We have stepped up our pre-season and the coaches have been working them really hard, but it’s paying dividends.

“The reserves are also having a good turnout at training with a few fresh faces as well.”

Senior was also impressed with the performance of triallist Dan Peach against the Magpies, who won with a late goal from Jonah Ayunga.