BRIDPORT’S Ryan Dovell faces another long spell on the sidelines after it was confirmed he had fractured three bones in his cheek.

Player-coach Dovell is out for six to eight weeks as a result of the injury sustained during the Bees’ defeat to Sherborne in the Dorset Senior Cup.

Dovell had been enjoying his football again this term having missed a large portion of last season due to a knee problem.

Medial ligament damage sustained in an FA Cup tie a year ago kept him out of action for nearly eight months on that occasion.

“Ryan was just getting back to pretty much full fitness after his knee injury,” said Bridport boss Trevor Senior ahead of his side’s home league clash with Willand Rovers tonight (7.45pm).

“It’s a shame for him but hopefully he will make a speedy recovery and be back involved before we know it.”

Chris Senior (groin) is doubtful for this evening’s game but Alan Hill and Darren Watts are both available.

Tom Richardson (dead leg) has a chance of featuring and keeper Ashley Wells (back) is expected to return to the squad.

“Willand are always a decent side and I’m not reading too much into their 6-2 defeat to Cadbury Heath on the weekend,” added Senior.

“It’s nice for us to play at home again and tonight is the first of two big games for us this week with Shepton Mallet in the Les Phillips Cup on Friday.”

Willand are 10th in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division, three places and four points above the Bees.