BRIDPORT boss Jamie Manley believes a win over St Austell in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm) could kick-start the Bees’ season.

Manley’s men are chasing a first victory of the new campaign and previously gave Southern League side Willand Rovers a fright in the FA Cup extra preliminary round before bowing out with a 2-1 loss.

Bridport are also buoyed by the expected return of strikers Liam Sayers and Lewis Clarke for the clash at St Mary’s Field.

Bridport beat St Austell 1-0 in an FA Cup replay in August 2017 and the Bees will be looking to emulate that result to earn a much-needed victory.

Manley said: “If we can pick up a win on Saturday that will take us into the Bridgwater game next week with a bit of confidence behind us and we’ll be able to kick on.

“We should have Darren Lock back, Lewis and Liam – obviously he went off the other week with his hamstring but he thinks he could be available.

“That’s three we should have back and Scott Wells-Burr will also be available.

“There’s four big players there for Bridport.

“When they’re all missing there’s a big hole to fill. We haven’t got the strength in depth to fill those gaps at times.”

Manley added: “Hopefully a bit of form will start on Saturday, we can’t carry on losing games.

“If we all turn up we can cause trouble, like we did against Street and Willand. Our consistency has got to be a lot better.

“If we get a result against a decent St Austell side that could kick-start our season.”