RYAN Dovell is set to play his first football for Bridport in nearly eight months tonight when Weymouth visit St Mary’s Field in both sides’ opening pre-season friendly of the summer (7.45pm).

Dovell suffered medial ligament damage to his knee during the Bees’ FA Vase exit at Highworth Town last November and has been fighting to get back to full fitness ever since.

And as well as having player-coach Dovell available again, Bridport boss Trevor Senior can also call on Sam Buckler after he received international clearance and Darren Watts, who should re-sign for the club before the match.

New addition to the squad Jamie Beasley is also due to be involved against one of his former clubs, but Chris Senior is unavailable.

Bees chief Senior is hoping that Jamie Filkins, who went travelling during last season, is going to be back in Bridport colours for the next campaign, though he has been training with his brother Sam at Gillingham.

Looking ahead to tonight’s clash, Senior said: “The first game is going to be a tough one because Weymouth will have a strong side out.

“It is all about fitness at this stage really. The lads have been working hard in training but match fitness is a completely different thing.

“I don’t like to have lots of players in the squad because it can become a headache getting them on the pitch in pre-season.

“But we still want to give as many of our squad games as we can, and it will be interesting to see Weymouth’s new signings in action too.”

Bridport host Patchway Town on Saturday (3pm) and Dorchester Town next Tuesday (7.45pm).