BRIDPORT v WINTERBOURNE UNITED

TREVOR Senior reckons it is only a matter of time before 3G pitches become more of a regular feature throughout football.

The Bridport boss is somewhat of a traditionalist but he can also see the benefits of the artificial surface, particularly following the recent spate of postponements due to the ongoing wet weather.

The Bees saw their home clash against Brislington called off on Tuesday night due to a waterlogged pitch and with the forecast promising more heavy rain over the next 24 hours, tomorrow’s visit of Winterbourne United (3pm) is also in doubt.

Senior, whose side have completed just two fixtures since the turn of the year, said: “There were two big wet patches on the pitch on Tuesday morning and with more rain on the forecast for later that day, we were left with no other choice.

“It was very frustrating to lose another game, and all we can do now, is try again tomorrow.

“We played Winterbourne at their place earlier in the season and they have got a 3G pitch, which they are good on.

“They got a late equaliser that day in a 2-2 draw but hopefully we can beat them this time.

“They are just below us in the league so it’s important we get a positive result.”

When asked what his players thought of playing on the 3G at Winterbourne, ex-Reading star Senior added: “Their views were mixed, some liked it and some didn’t.

“It was a fairly true surface and the ball didn’t bounce on as much as we thought it might do.

“For me, there is only one place to play football and that is on grass but, at the same time, I do think these 3G pitches will come in more and more, as long as the level of football and the authorities allow it.

“I also think finances will dictate it in the end and there is no doubt that it is better than the old Astroturf pitches I used to play on.

“The likes of Luton Town, Preston and Queens Park Ran-gers used to all have them and they were nowhere near as good as 3G.

“It is certainly something for clubs to look at and the fact Winterbourne’s home game was the only one that survived last weekend perhaps tells a story.”

Chris Senior will be unavailable for the Bees tomorrow due to work commitments but Sam Filkins is expected to feature between the posts.

Bridport currently sit 12th in the Toolstation Western Premier Division, one point and two places above Winterbourne, having played one game less.