BRIDPORT will be without leading scorer Simon Gale when they return to Screwfix Direct Premier Division action at Welton Rovers tomorrow (3pm).

The in-from striker, who netted during the Bees 2-0 FA Cup preliminary round success over Street last week, misses the trip because of a seven-day suspension.

But the good news for Bridport followers is that Darren Grabham has recovered from his long-term knee injury and could be set for a comeback at West Clews.

Assistant boss Barry Lawley said: "Simon's been knocking a few goals in this year and it's a shame to lose him when he's in a bit of form. He worked hard against Street and it's that busy part of his game that we'll miss.

"Manager Pete Conning is yet undecided about who will replace him up front but obviously it's great that Darren Grabham is over the worst of that knee problem. He's been on the sidelines a long time now, but he's come through a couple of reserve and Sunday games and is definitely being considered for Saturday."

While most Bees fans would have been fairly happy with last week's showing in the cup, Lawley and Conning reckon there's still plenty of room for improvement.

In particular, they want to see more that the 'never say die' approach that earned them a superb home point against moneybags Bideford at St Mary's Field a fortnight ago.

"There was real passion and commitment from everyone that day," said Lawley, "and if we can do that every week then we won't got far wrong.

"Beating Street was obviously the main issue last Saturday and we did than reasonably comfortably, but there were long spells in the game where we just didn't seem to be giving it our all.

"It's not always easy to perform at that higher level of commitment and it takes a lot of hard graft. But it's what required to get on in this league and hopefully we'll show a bit more at Welton."

Tomorrow's hosts lie just a couple of places below the West Dorset side in the middle of the league table and the Bees number two believes it will be a close contest.

He added: "They'll be rough and tough I'm sure. So many teams are at this level. I think it's going to be a close because there can't be much between the sides although we'll be going there to win."

Bees: Peters, Newland, McAuley, Stewart, Evans, Linney, Parkinson, Greeno, Rose, Armstrong, Thoday, Grabham, White, Conning.