BEES’ boss Adam Fricker will not risk playing striker Mark Salter against Shepton Mallet at St Mary’s Field on Saturday (3pm) if he is not “100 per cent”.

The former Street and Frome Town sharp-shooter is currently topping the scoring charts in the Bridport squad, with 15 goals in 24 games in all competitions.

Manager Fricker was informed by Salter that he had picked up a back problem on new year’s day and has been nursing the injury ever since.

Speaking about the injury concern, the Bees’ chief said: “Players like Salts you always want at the forefront of your team.

“It’s not too bad we don’t think but we will give it until the end of the week, see if it sorts itself out, and go from there.

“He is a proven goalscorer, it’s as simple as that and it would be a massive blow if we did lose him but that’s also why we won’t take a risk on him.

“If he is not 100 per cent, we would rather lose him for one game rather than a few. We will be cautious on it and just see how it pans out through the week.”

Ryan Hayter is also fighting to be fit for the St Mary’s Field side’s first fixture of 2017, after sustaining an ankle injury against Street on Boxing Day.

On the plus side, Adam Barrett is in line for a return after a lengthy injury absence.

He is set to get 90 minutes for the reserves this weekend but could be called up to the first team if Salter and Hayter cannot feature.