BOSS Ian Hutchinson is sweating over the fitness of skipper Darren Lock ahead of Bridport's Toolstation Western League Division One clash at Minehead tomorrow (3pm).

The inspirational defender, who was appointed by Hutchinson after impressing in pre-season, has contracted a chest infection and is rated as doubtful.

Lock was absent from the midweek training session at St Mary's Field and is to be assessed today with the hope that he will have recovered to travel to the coastal Somerset town.

Speaking about Lock's match prospects, Hutchinson said: "We're going to wrap him up in cotton wool and see how he is.

"Hopefully he will improve, he's a winner and we need more like him on the pitch so I'm desperate for him to play."

Playing without Lock is a scenario Hutchinson will not wish to entertain, as he has been a standout performer with committed displays at the heart of defence.

Lock was employed as a gritty central midfielder under Royston Davies' stewardship, but Hutchin-son realised his potential to evolve in the back four.

It's been four weeks since Bridport were last in league action, due mainly to the enterprising FA Cup run, which ended at Clevedon last week.

Minehead have registered two victories from seven matches this season and, like the Bees, will target tomorrow's showdown as an ideal opportunity to kick-start their campaign.

Occupying 18th position, Bridport have been inadvertently hampered by their FA Cup success, but Hutchinson is not concerned by his side's current predicament.

He added: "I won't look at the league until we are 10 games in and it starts to take shape.

"I've noticed that every team seem to be capable of beating each other, so it's difficult to say how we are faring.

"The league is our bread and butter and it's good to get back into it and boost our points tally."

Bees (from): Cleal, Hayter, Radcliffe, Lock, Fellows, Senior, Hutchinson, Legg, Wise, Evans, Clarke, Condliffe, Morgan, Mason, Churchill n Bridport Reserves host the first game to be played at St Mary Field this season when they entertain Chickerell United in the Dorset Premier League (3pm).

The Bees' venue has seen renovation work completed on new changing rooms, which has forced the club's sides to play their first games away from home.