JAMIE Symes will return to Dorchester Town after Bridport’s clash with title-chasing Brislington this Saturday (3pm), Bees boss Trevor Senior has confirmed.

Though disappointed not to further extend the midfielder’s loan spell at St Mary’s Field, Senior has nothing but kind words for Symes, who is in his second spell at the club.

Symes went back to Bridport on-loan in early January and his original five-week stay was prolonged for another month, largely because he had been unable to play due to so many postponements.

Sadly, that was again the case for the Bees last Saturday when heavy rain forced the home fixture with Larkhall Athletic to be called off – that will now take place on Tuesday, April 9 (7.45pm).

For now, this weekend’s trip to Brislington, second in Toolstation Western Premier Division, gives Symes one last chance to help Bridport’s push to avoid relegation.

“Unfortunately, we’ve found out that it will be Jamie’s last game with us before he goes back to Dorchester,” said Senior. “It’s a shame but we really appreciate what he has done for us in the last couple of months.

“He didn’t get to play as many games as we would have liked but in the ones he did he made a massive difference and it’s no coincidence that we’ve only lost once in that time.

“He has gone quietly about his business and he is a quality player and someone we will miss.

“We did try and keep him for longer but hopefully he will go back to Dorchester and be able to help them out.”

Bridport drew 0-0 with Brislington just last month but Senior expects to be facing a stronger side this time around.

He added: “I think they had three or four players out when we played them last so it should be a bit tougher at their place.

“They are a good all round side and very workman like but we’ve played them twice already this season and there has only been one goal between us.

“We’ll take a point if we can get it and it would be nice to keep this run of ours going ahead of a big game against Winterbourne next Tuesday.

“Dan Wise is unavailable on Saturday, which is a shame, because he, Jamie and Chris Luke have done well for us in the midfield.

“During the break with the weather Chris went away and worked on his fitness and has come back stronger while Dan has been in good form for some time.

“But with him missing it gives someone else a chance to impress and that will be the same when Jamie leaves. Russell Legg and Max Buckler are both back after suspension and injury so we have competition for places.”

Bridport have lost one of their last eight and sat third from the bottom of the table before last night’s league fixtures.

Bees: (from) S Filkins, J Filkins, Condliffe, C Clarke, Hayter, Luke, Dovell, Symes, B Clarke, Ritchie, Hailu, Legg, M Buckler, Richardson, Lock
 

* FOR once it wasn't the weather that caused the postponement of a match at Bridport last night - a broken down mini bus was the guilty party.

Bridport Reserves were supposed to be hosting Swanage Town & Herston at St Mary's Field in the Magna Dorset Premier League.

But the bus ferrying the visitors to the ground was struck down by mechanical failure and with the Bees not having any opponents to play the game was called off.

A date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course while Bridport are scheduled to entertain Hamworthy Recreation this Saturday (3pm).