TREVOR Senior is considering resting Ryan Dovell for the next couple of weeks ahead of a key run of fixtures in December.

The ex-Dorchester Town forward is currently Bridport’s leading scorer but he has been struggling of late with a groin problem and his boss does not want to risk him any further.

Senior said: “Ryan had to come off after 35 minutes in the 1-0 defeat at Brislington last Satur-day due to his groin again and I think we might rest him now for a couple of weeks.

“We have got a really important month coming up in December when we take on a lot of the teams around us and I would rather have him available for that than risk him over the next fortnight.

“The only problem we have with that is that Ben Clarke is now away for two weeks on holiday, which leaves us a bit light up front, but it is something we will just have to overcome.

“Dean Ritchie will be back for the trip to Hallen on Saturday after being cup tied, which will be a boost, and there are a couple of other options too.

“We have some difficult games coming up with Bishop Sutton and Larkhall Athletic to follow but we are not far away and if we keep working hard I am sure we will get our rewards.”

Lady Luck deserted the Bees in their Les Phillips Cup first round tie at high-flying Brislington where they eventually crashed out to a strike from 35 yards. Senior added: “Last Saturday we asked the lads for 90 minutes and not just 45 minutes, which had been the case in the previous few games, and they delivered.

“I could not fault any of them. We worked hard throughout and had the majority of the possession but unfortunately we just didn’t have any luck.

“Their goal was a cracker from 35 yards that flew straight into the top corner but apart from that they didn’t really trouble us despite sitting second in the league.

“Ryan Dovell turned a cross from Jamie Filkins against a post and although we didn’t have many other clear-cut chances, we played some good stuff and deserved more.

“Two minutes from time we should have also had a penalty when Michael Hailu was pulled to the ground in the box.

“Even the people in their dugout shook their heads when it wasn’t given but all you can hope is that these things even out over the course of the season.”

Brislington were also fortunate not to get reduced to 10 men following what appeared to be a deliberate elbow on Ryan Hayter on 80 minutes.

Commenting on the incident, Senior said: “It was not seen but it was a nasty one. It left Ryan with a big cut in his mouth and he has since had to go to hospital to get it stitched.”

Bees: S Filkins, J Filkins, Evans (Morgan 70), S Buckler, M Buckler, Hayter (Hailu 80), Luke, Wise, Dovell (B Clarke 35), Legg, Condliffe. Sub not used: Richardson.

Bees’ Man of the Match: Sam Buckler.

* Tristan Gale grabbed a late winner for Bridport Reserves as they overcame Kingston Lacy 1-0 in the second round of the Dorset Senior Trophy.

The Bees are set to host Sherborne Town Reserves this Saturday (2pm) in league action.