TREVOR Senior has admitted that Bridport cannot afford to stumble in their next two matches if they are to maintain their promotion charge.

Manager Senior has seen his side tumble to 12 points off the pace, albeit with games in hand, after suffering back-to-back Toolstation Western League Division One defeats.

Tomorrow the Bees entertain struggling Roman Glass St George (3pm) before signing off the calendar year with a home clash against local rivals Chard Town on December 27.

And Senior has conceded that only maximum points will do – with the West Dorset outfit’s status as genuine title contenders on the line.

He said: “If we are serious about challenging for promotion we have got to pick up six points from these two games to give us a boost heading into the Gillingham Town fixture in the New Year.

“We need to keep on the tails of the top two and if we drop points, that’s not going to happen. Both our next two games are at home and on paper are ones we should win.

“Our recent form in the league hasn’t been great but the cup victory over Wimborne Town has given us a massive lift in confidence.

“We do not have a fixture next weekend so the Roman Glass game is very important.”

A Jamie Symes brace inspired Bridport to a 2-0 triumph over Roman Glass in the reverse fixture at Whiteway Road back in August.

That result came amid a run of seven successive victories for the Bees and was among the 11 defeats tomorrow’s visitors have recorded to date.

Senior confirmed that Matt Condliffe, Darren Watts and Dan Wise are all poised to be drafted back into the squad having missed last week’s Dorset Senior Cup tie against Wimborne.

Ryan Dovell and Ryan Hayter are also available, with Shane Evans expected to occupy a place on the bench and Alan Hill and Ashley Clarke dropping down to the reserves.

One man vying for a starting berth is midfielder Dan Peart, who was the standout performer at Cuthbury and whose display and general attitude have given Senior food for thought.

The Bees’ chief added: “Dan has done very well and could start against Roman Glass. Steve Crabb and Mark Lock in the reserves speak highly of him and it’s obvious why.

“I took him with us to the Keynsham game and although he only came on for the last five minutes, he made an impression, and then he was excellent against Wimborne.

“With Darren Watts set to be suspended for three games this is an opportunity for him.”

Bees (from): Filkins, A Symes, Condliffe, Lock, Senior, Hayter, J Symes, Wise, Watts, Dovell, Legg, Peart, Evans.

* Bridport Reserves visit reigning Magna Dorset Premier League champions Hamworthy Recreation tomorrow (2pm).