BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker feels the situation surrounding the postponement of Tuesday’s match against Longwell Green Sports was “unprofessional” ahead of tonight’s home clash against Bitton (7.45pm).

Longwell had travelled from Bristol for the Toolstation Western League Premier Division fixture, only to be turned away after the referee deemed the St Mary’s Field playing surface as unsafe for play.

But despite both teams being happy to fulfil the game, Fricker insisted there was “no consultation” between officials and both managers before the referee’s decision to call the match off.

He told Echosport: “I can understand where the ref was coming from as there’s a couple of areas of our pitch that have not got grass on them and they’ve tried to fill it with sand.

“The frustrating thing from our part is that Longwell have travelled down. We’re both stood there happy to play but the ref said it’s down to player safety.

“There was no consultation with either manager.

“He just went out there and said the game is off. It’s yet another game that we’ve got to try and fit in.

“Having to make Longwell travel down as well, it feels very unprofessional to be in that situation. I made my feelings clear to the club that I wasn’t impressed with it and another game is a car crash.”

Bridport still have 11 games to play this season, but with dry weather forecast for the remainder of the week, Fricker is hopeful of ticking some matches off the list, including Bitton, who they beat 5-0 in September.

He said: “I think work will be done on (the pitch) to ensure it goes on. They need to get it rolled and let it dry out.

“But you never know with Bitton, we went up there and thought we were going to be in for a tough game and we turned them over quite comfortably.

“They’ve had some great results and they’re paying their players an absolute fortune.”

Bridport are expected to have a fully-fit squad to tackle the River Boys, with Mark Salter aiming to return after a back injury and Leigh Bailey available after work commitments.

Fricker said: “Mark has recovered from his back injury but we weren’t going to risk him (on Tuesday), so we’ve got a decision on whether he will play (today).

“He’s experienced enough and he knows his own body. We need to be sensible and make sure he’s right when he comes back. Leigh will be back so we’re basically at full strength.”