WEYMOUTH’S preparations for the new campaign crank up a notch tonight as they play their first pre-season friendly of the summer at Bridport – and boss Jason Matthews has insisted that “everyone starts with a clean slate”.

Player-manager Matthews says all of his squad are going to get a chance to show what they can do over the coming weeks as the Terras get ready for another crack at promotion to Conference South.

New signing Mark Molesley, captain Stewart Yetton and the injured Chris Shephard won’t be involved at St Mary’s Field this evening (7.45pm), but the rest of the first-team squad will.

That means Weymouth fans making the trip west are set to see summer recruits Billy Lowes and Pat Baldwin in their club’s colours for the first time.

“I’ve got my squad together now and from my point of view everyone starts with a clean slate,” Matthews told Echosport.

“It’s up to me to be fair to them and everyone will get a chance against Bridport.

“It’s nice to get going again after three good training sessions and it’s all about match fitness and team bonding.

“I’m sure Bridport will give us a good game and we are looking to get a good workout.

“We’re not going to cast in stone what system we’ll be playing this season and these friendlies are about trying out different things.”