SIMON Radcliffe is a major doubt ahead of Bridport's Dorset Senior Cup first round tie against Cobham Sports at St Mary's Field tonight (7.45pm).

The former Dorchester Town full-back has been suffering from a persistent groin problem that was exacerbated in the victory over Odd Down on Saturday.

Swiftly replaced after lasting a mere 15 minutes, fears are growing at St Mary's Field that this ongoing problem could result in a spell on the sidelines for the experienced defender.

Skipper Darren Lock and winger Matt Condliffe also sustained minor knocks but both are expected to be available for selection, although boss Ian Hutchinson hinted that he could spring a couple of surprises with the inclusion of several reserve team players.

The Bees' chief, who voiced his belief that this competition offers the West Dorset club genuine hopes of scooping silverware, also warned against complacency after the weekend's success.

He said: "Radcliffe is a big worry, he was struggling with his groin and had to come off, which is a blow because he's a major player for us.

"But it's an ideal opportunity to give some of the others a game; we're going to take it very seriously and try to win it.

"Cobham will want to come and beat us and look to raise their game against higher league opposition so it's a potential banana skin."

Bridport lofted the Dorset Senior Cup trophy most recently in 2005 and have an illustrious history in the competition, progressing to the semi-final stage last year before elimination at the hands of winners Sherborne Town.

Cobham Sports arrive as firm underdogs and this label is only enhanced by their underwhelming start to the season.

The struggling Dorset Premier League outfit have amassed just one point from seven league outings, shipping 25 goals in the process.

Bees: (from) Cleal, Hayter, Lock, Senior, Fellows, Hutchinson, Legg, Wise, Evans, Clarke, Condliffe, Fleet, Mason.