BRIDPORT boss Rob Marquis backed the Bees to rediscover their winning form at Ilfracombe Town on Saturday (3pm).

Marquis’ young team achieved their first victory in a 2-1 win over Ashton & Backwell United on Saturday before taking a depleted squad to Keynsham, losing 6-2.

With several first-team players returning for the weekend’s trip to north Devon, Marquis is optimistic of moving on from the defeat.

He told the Bridport News: “I’ll put that one down as one of those.

“Having no goalie available and numerous players unavailable for various reasons is probably going to be a one-off this season. I’m not reading too much into that.

“I go back to the Ashton & Backwell game and I thought we gave a good performance. They weren’t a bad side.

“The fact that they drew 0-0 with Shepton Mallet backs that up because we got trounced. They’re not as bad a side as their position reflects.

READ MORE: Keynsham 6-2 Bridport - match report

“If we can carry on from Saturday and take that performance with us, then the result will look after itself.

“If we can go up there, give 100 per cent and do all we can I’ve got no complaints. The result will be on the back of that.”

Bridport welcome keeper midfielder Dom McAllister and goalkeeper Greg Taylor, while defender Malakai Stanners and striker Troy Walbridge are available.

Darren Lock, Jordon Scadding, Finley Jarvis, Adam Steele and Kris Hastings are unavailable.

Marquis added: “I have a nice headache on Saturday because I’ll probably go with 14.

“Obviously, the lads that played Ashton & Backwell have played well so we’ve got to have faith in them and continuity.

“But also, I’ve got strong players available. There are decisions for us to make.”

Elsewhere, Bridport Reserves lost 4-2 at Holt United in the Jewson Dorset Premier League.