GOOD performances from several triallists at Bridport have given manager Jamie Manley cause for optimism.

Manley’s men played at St Mary’s Field for the first time in over five months when Bishops Lydeard held the Bees to a 0-0 draw on Saturday.

Most of the Bees’ summer signings enjoyed a run out, as did numerous players who are currently training with the Bridport squad.

Former Bees Leon Wood and Darren Lock, plus forward Christian Blanco and defender Aaron March all earned match minutes.

Elaborating on the fresh faces, Manley told the Bridport News: “Jake (Owen) messaged me, he’s moved to the area. He’s been at Tamworth.

“We invited him in for training and he played well at the back. He can play centre-half or centre of the park.

“Christian is a lad who came to Chard when I was there. He’s been training and he did OK.

“Darren used to play for Bridport and he’s come back now. He was a big plus and led the team really well.

“Aaron has been training, is a defender and can play in midfield.

“Riley Weedon, he was a reserve team player but broke into the first team at the end of last season.

“We gave lads that have been training an opportunity so we could have a look at them.

“Hopefully there will be a couple more coming in but until they’re over the line I won’t say anything yet.

“Leon was with the club when Adam Fricker was there. He played a little bit under Adam but we’ve got him back. He’s a central midfielder and looks quite comfortable on the ball.”

Manley added: “There were some plusses to come out of it, but there’s still lots to work on. We need to start upping our fitness as well.

“It’s so hard to judge where we are and when the season’s going to start, but we’ll get there. You don’t want to go flat out with everyone, it’s about balance.”