BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker admits the Bees will take on Bradford Town in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm) with a depleted squad.

Fricker is to be married on the day, meaning six Bridport players, plus the coaching staff will miss out on the clash against the promotion-chasing side.

Players attending Fricker’s wedding include Leigh Bailey, Andy Martin, Louis Rutter, Mark Salter, Dan Peach and Jason Hutchings.

With assistant-manager Paddy Behan and coach Paul Thorpe also invited, Fricker is calling upon former Chard Town manager Nik Flory to take the reins – the two having been on the books at Town together.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Fricker said the situation provided a chance for the Bees’ reserve players to make an impact.

He said: “It’s no secret that we’re going into it with a depleted squad. With a fully-fit squad it was going to be a tough ask when Bradford are pushing for promotion.

“It gives a couple of the reserves a chance to come in and see what they can do. It’s going to be players playing out of position. They just need to go out there and do their utmost.”

But Fricker insisted the pressure was all on Bradford Town, who still have a chance of promotion.

He said: “It’s one of those where you never know because the lads will be going out there with no expectations on them.

“They can relax and play football against a very good Bradford team.”

Meanwhile, defender Chris McGrath has been ruled out for the season with a calf injury.