BRIDPORT manager Rob Marquis believes his side is capable of competing with high-flying Tavistock on Saturday (3pm).

Bridport welcome the Toolstation Western League Premier Division’s second-placed side to St Mary’s Field having lost 13 of 14 games this campaign.

Rob Marquis’ Bees sit bottom of the standings, comparing unfavourably to the Lambs who were deposed from top spot by Bitton’s 2-1 win over Shepton Mallet on Tuesday.

Despite the disparity in league position and form, Marquis remains upbeat about the Bees’ chances.

He told the Bridport News: “We’ll work in training on being strong defensively.

“We’re where we are for a reason, there’s no getting away from that. All we can do is go out and have a go.

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“I’m not going to be fearful, or change too much. We tend to be in it until 60 minutes, then fitness tells, probably because we’re under more pressure than the other team.

“If we keep doing the right things, let’s hope we can compete.

“If I’ve got a full squad to pick from then I’ve got options. You’ve got to build from the back.

“If you concede three or four goals you can’t really expect to win any games.

“We’ve got to get a grip on that.

“I’ll take a draw now. Defensively we’ve got to look at being solid all the way through. Can we be a harder unit to beat? We’ll work on some stuff to strengthen our formation.”

Midfielders Dom McAllister (groin) and Ezra Osei-Kumi will be assessed, while full-back Malakai Stanners is expected to be fit.