BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker feels his side matched title challengers Buckland Athletic as they started their league campaign with a 1-0 loss.

Jared Lewington scored the only goal of the game in the first half for the visitors as they took all three points from St Mary’s Field.

“We started slow and they scored early on.

“We almost needed that to wake us up and from 30 minutes onwards we created a lot of chances and saw plenty of the ball.

“I think a draw would have been a fair result, but I can’t grumble too much as I think, come the end of the season, they will be right up there challenging.

“There’s a lot of positives to be taken from it. We’ve shown we can match these teams at the top.

“One of the most positive things for us was our fitness.

“As the second half wore on we got stronger and stronger.”

The defeat in the league followed the Bees’ exit from the FA Cup on Saturday at the hands of Alresford Town.

The Magpies won 2-1, and Fricker is aware that it will take time for his side to become a fully fledged unit.

He added: “It will take time for everyone to gel because we are a new side. We’ve been really pleased with the performances and we know the results will come.

“It will be nice to get some points on the board.”

The Bees’ next chance of doing that will be away to Clevedon Town on Saturday (3pm).

George Chlopeki, Matt Condliffe and Leigh Bailey will all miss the clash in Somerset.

Speaking about the game, Fricker said: “We’re hoping Ryan Hayter will come back into the squad (for Saturday).

“We have 16 and 17 players so it gives others the opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot.”

“When you play these teams at the start of the season, you don’t really know what they’re going to be like.

“But on paper they have struggled in recent times and we will go up there and give a good account of ourselves.”

Bridport’s next game after their trip to Clevedon will be away to Willand Rovers on Wednesday (7.30pm).