Football

BRIDPORT'S players are relishing the prospect of coming up against Weymouth in the Dorset Senior Cup semi-final.

The tie is set to be played at a neutral ground sometime in February or March and with the gate receipts halved, it could be a good day for the Bees coffers.

On the field, former Terras star Martin Underhay is are looking forward to the task of putting one over his old club.

He said: "I was praying for that draw weeks ago and was delighted when it came out. Quite a few of the ex-Weymouth lads might think they have a point to prove.

"We know Weymouth are very strong and if they play like they should play they will have enough quality, but it is difficult for the big teams if they don't approach the game in the right frame of mind.

"If they should take it lightly you can be sure we will be ready to capitalise. We are the underdogs and this will be our cup final, so we can't wait for it."

The county's two big clubs, Weymouth and Dorchester have threatened to pull out of next season's competition after the Dorset FA rejected plans to revamp the present format this week.

Bridport were set to join them, along with Wimborne Town and Portland United in a new breakaway competition which would have been played on a mini-league basis in midweek.

Currently, the Dorset Senior Cup takes precedence over league fixtures if the home club do not have floodlights and therefore have to play the game on a Saturday.

Terras chairman Terry Bennett said: "We could be forced to postpone a Saturday league fixture away to someone like Grantham in order to play a Dorset League club in the cup.

"That would mean going to Grantham in midweek later in the season at great expense and if that remains a possibility, we will have to seriously consider whether to remain in it," he added.

Bees manager Peter Conning was also disappointed that the new format will not go ahead and sympathises with Weymouth and Dorchester's position.

He said: "I remember when I played for Weymouth when they were in the Conference League we had to make a trip to Gateshead in midweek because of the Senior Cup.

"I can understand that the smaller clubs want the chance to play against the likes of Weymouth and Dorchester but it is difficult to fit in cup games at weekends."