BRIDPORT boss Jamie Manley has drawn encouragement from the Bees’ 2-0 loss at Tavistock ahead of the reverse Toolstation Western League Premier Division fixture on Saturday (3pm).

Despite a 2-0 loss in Devon, Lambs’ goalkeeper Ben Elphick was named man-of-the-match, such was the Bees’ impact in the final third.

Although Bridport drew a blank in mid-November, Manley is heartened by the performance of his 18th-placed Bridport side, who have since continued to improve their displays.

He told the Bridport News: “When we went down there we had a good game. We played some nice football and to be fair to us we caused them quite a lot of problems.

“Their goalkeeper ended up being man-of-the-match, so it just shows what we did on that day.

“If we can acquit ourselves the same as that and keep putting them under pressure, we’ll give them a good game.

“After Saturday’s game against Bridgwater (the players) will be keen and ready to go.”

Bridport lost 3-2 at Bridgwater on Saturday, wasting a 2-1 lead, and had the annoyance of seeing Tuesday’s clash with fellow strugglers Wellington postponed just minutes prior to kick-off.

Manley said: “It is disappointing. The referee got there about half past six and had a walk on the pitch.

“Everyone’s got changed, ready to go, and for some reason he decided to call it off. Everyone’s changed, done their warm-up.

“When we played against Exmouth I felt the pitch was worse and we got through that game.

“My own view was it was playable, but we’ve got to respect the referee’s decision.”

Tony Pinder and Will Gape return for Bridport, but midfielders Ryan Dovell and Tom Richardson have left the club.