BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker admitted he was “really, really pleased” to see forward Richard Hebditch return after a lengthy absence with a knee injury.

Hebditch made his comeback in the 4-3 win over Odd Down on Saturday, coming on for the final 12 minutes in place of Leighton Thomas.

Fricker expressed his delight at Hebditch’s 16th appearance of the season and admitted the marksman could have added to his tally of three goals this campaign.

He told the Bridport News: “I’m really, really pleased for him.

“It’s been a frustrating time for him and it was great for him to come on for 10-15 minutes.

“Whilst it’s going to take him a while to build up his fitness, the fact that we can get him involved in the last five games is great.

“He played his part and should have scored, had an opportunity from eight yards out where it was pulled back to him and he put it over the bar – probably tired legs trying to get to that situation.

“But it was great to have Chris McGrath back and Braeden Symes started but we were forced due to the late withdrawal of Josh Williams.

“Braeden started but we had to take him off just after half-time with a recurrence of his knee injury so there is a little bit of an issue there which is frustrating for Braeden and frustrating for us, really.”

Fricker also revealed he has given the 11th-placed Bees a target of a top-10 finish.

He said: “I challenged the lads that we want to get into the top 10.

“It’s in touching distance but we’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing. We’ve picked up eight points in the last 12 and are unbeaten in our last four, which is great and breeds confidence.

“There’s a tough game at Wellington (on Saturday) then a midweek game at Cadbury Heath and a big one at Willand which will no doubt have an impact on the league title as well.”