BRIDPORT boss Jamie Manley admits a heavy St Mary’s Field surface may not suit the Bees in their Toolstation Western League Premier Division battle with Bitton on Saturday (3pm).

Rainfall from Storm Dennis rendered the Bees’ pitch unplayable for the Dorset Premier League fixture between Bridport Reserves and leaders Hamworthy Rec on Saturday.

Some areas of the turf were submerged and Manley admits more yielding ground could force a “kickabout in the mud” should the fixture go ahead.

He told the Bridport News: “Our pitch on Saturday was underwater, with puddles all over it.

“I should imagine this Saturday will be in doubt as well, with the rain we’ve had so far and what’s coming in.

“Hopefully we’ll get the game on – we’ll have to wait and see.”

Asked if heavy conditions could be a leveller, with Bitton 10 places above the Bees in eighth, Manley expressed his preference for a football-friendly surface.

He said: “I’m probably like everyone else – I’d rather play on a lot firmer pitch and try and impose ourselves onto teams.

“To have a kickabout in the mud is not exactly great, I’d rather it be firmer and we can get the ball down and play a bit.

“They’re a good side, Bitton are having a great run in the FA Vase and doing well in the league. They’ve got some quality players in their squad.

“If we turn up and give it our all, play how we know we can play, we’ll give sides a run for their money.”

Centre-back Ryan Gall returns for the otherwise injury-free Bridport.