BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker admits the Bees’ opening pre-season friendly away to Elmore on Saturday (3pm) is in doubt due to a dry pitch, at the time of writing.

However, the two teams are negotiating a possible relocation to a 3G pitch in Exeter, with a failsafe of an extra training session should the alternative option not come to fruition.

Bridport are having to play all their warm-up matches away from home due to drainage works being undertaken at St Mary’s Field, but their home turf also remains dry, mirroring Elmore’s Horsdon Park surface.

Fricker told the Bridport News: “I spoke to them and it’s just the weather. We’ve got the same issue – the pitches are absolutely bone dry.

“They’re concerned that it’s not playable. We’re looking to book a 3G in Exeter and we’re hopeful that it will go ahead.

“Our pitch isn’t ready and we’ve had to play all of our pre-season games away, so we’re looking at other venues.”

Meanwhile, Bridport have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Lee Sweet and forward Richard Hebditch have both suffered broken bones in training.

Fricker said: “We’re just hoping that they will be fit. Richard broke his metatarsal and Lee broke his hand.

“It’s going to be touch and go that they make the start of the season. Worst case scenario they might miss a couple of games. But they’re both training and Richard did a bit with me the other night.”

In the player market, Bridport continue to monitor the availability of

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players, but Fricker reiterated his happiness with the Bees’ current personnel.

He said: “We’re just keeping our heads to the ground to see what’s going on.

“We’ve lost Leigh and Ed – we feel we’re a strong unit this season with people like Chris McGrath that didn’t play the majority of the season, Lee missed a lot of the games and Max Buckler.

“We’re looking at those three as new signings.”