BRIDPORT assistant-manager Paddy Behan is targeting a respectable haul of points during the Bees’ testing run of Toolstation Western League Premier Division fixtures at the beginning of February.

Boss Adam Fricker’s men travel to Wiltshire to face a Bobcats side on Saturday (3pm) that lie in fourth, just three points behind Melksham Town in third.

Four days later, they encounter Buckland Athletic and speaking to the Bridport News about his side’s tough run, Behan feels the Bees are capable of featuring in the top eight.

He said: “With the ability we’ve got we’re a top-eight side. However, it’s all very well having games in hand but we have to win those games.

“I think if we get points out of our next games, from a morale point of view it will set us off for the rest of the season.

“If we don’t get anything out of them it will hurt the confidence. If we get points out of our next games it would be great. We’re capable of scoring goals against any side.”

Bradford Town also suffered the heartbreak of an FA Vase fifth round 2-0 loss at North Yorkshire side Marske on Saturday after a 560-mile round trip.

Bridport will have to contest the fixture without the services of Jon Vance, who continues to nurse the knee that forced a long-term injury absence while at Dorchester Town last season.

Behan said: “Jon is struggling with his knee. We’re hoping at the end of February he’ll be back. It’s not the most stable and I think with the pitches the way they are we risk him damaging himself further.”