BRIDPORT can start the new year on a high at Ilfracombe Town tomorrow (3pm) after manager Trevor Senior welcomed positive news relating to matters off the field.

Echosport revealed last week how the Bees, whose match at Bitton on Saturday was rained off, have had their playing budget cut due mainly to a lack of home games in the first half of the season.

Bridport’s problems were compounded over Christmas with two matches at St Mary’s Field falling foul of the wet weather and with the forecast not looking too favourable Saturday’s visit of Street could also be in doubt.

However, Senior’s plight has been boosted by the reaction to the club’s situation with supporters offering their help and Weymouth manager Brendon King proposing a possible friendly against the Terras to swell the coffers.

On the pitch, Senior’s troops can earn a much-needed three points if they beat Ilfracombe though they will be without Dean Ritchie and Sam Buckler, who are both away. Ben Clarke is back in the fold though.

“Ilfracombe have had a mixed season so far,” said Senior, whose side have one win in 13 in the Toolstation Western Premier Division. “They’ve got quite a compact ground and the pitch isn’t the easiest to play on.

“It’s going to be hard, like all the games are, but we just need to stop the run we’re on at the moment.

“With regards to the budget the response has been positive. The supporters are asking what they can do and are looking to raise money.

“And Brendon King contacted us and he would like to bring a side over for a friendly if he can, which would be much appreciated.”

When you’re down near the bottom as Bridport are you need a positive disposition and that’s exactly what Senior has, especially when his side hasn’t played for more than a fortnight.

“The frustration does keep growing but at least it means we keep our unbeaten run over the last couple of weeks going,” he joked.

“We are looking at the positive side of things but it’s just frustrating that our last game was against Melksham on December 15 – this weather is just relentless.”

Bees: (from) S Filkins, Hayter, C Clarke, M Buckler, Wise, Luke, Legg, Condliffe, Dovell, Hailu, B Clarke, J Filkins, Evans