BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker is facing a goalkeeping dilemma ahead of the visit of Buckland Athletic to St Mary’s Field in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).

First-choice stopper Jason Hutchings is banned after retrospectively earning a two-game ban for foul and abusive language following his sending off at Shaftesbury Town – having already served a three-match ban.

Reserves’ goalkeeper Billy Fleet is unavailable, while keeping coach James Smith is ill and Chad Collins, dual-registered with Dorchester Town and Team Solent, will likely line up for the university-based side instead.

Speaking to the Bridport News about Hutchings’ suspension, a seething Fricker admitted he was “not impressed” by the timing of the decision.

He said: “Jason is serving a two-game ban for a sending off that he received in the Dorset Senior Cup at Shaftesbury.

“Seven weeks later and the Dorset FA decided to ban him for a further two games for foul and abusive language. Why that takes so long is beyond me, I’m not impressed. As far as we were concerned it was done and dusted, we’d heard nothing and he’s carried on playing.”

Fricker also revealed that the Bees’ surface is currently submerged ahead of the clash.

He said: “It’s underwater, it isn’t great. It’s surface water in a few areas. The pitch itself doesn’t take long to dry out, we’re just not getting enough of the dry conditions.

“When we played Clevedon away the reserves got a game on it. It was heavy but playable. Fair play to the guys, they’re working tirelessly to get these games on.”

Braeden Symes (one-match suspension) and Kameron Andrews (ankle) are out, but Leigh Bailey, captain Louis Rutter and Ed Butcher are available for selection.