BRIDPORT have had a difficult season so far but it is one that is showing shoots of recovery after a stuttering start.

Once again the cups ensured Bridport would fall behind in league fixtures, which eventually cast more clouds over the club, with the weight of games in hand turning into a burden more than anything.

It was looking ugly on October 7, when a 1-0 loss to Bridgwater Town left the Bees in 18th, with at least two games in hand over the teams surrounding them and as many as four over others.

Yet credit to Bridport, since then their form has recovered yet without ever being in danger of being plain sailing.

Since that match the Bees have picked up 21 points from 12 league games and sit in a much-healthier position of 11th.

Signings wise it has been a mixed bag, Max Buckler and Tom Richardson have both departed for Portland United, while Street have signed Oscar Latas on dual registration.

However, Ben Morris and Josh Williams have joined on dual registration from Dorchester Town, while players like Mark Salter and Chris McGrath have been retained.

Last year’s superb FA Cup run to the third qualifying round was unable to be followed up, with a 1-0 loss to Evo-Stik Southern Premier South side Tiverton Town in the first qualifying round.

The FA Vase ended in a disappointing fashion, with the Bees thumped 6-0 in the first round by Falmouth Town.

The rest of the season seems to be one of capitalising upon potential: the Bees could rise as high as seventh should they win their games in hand and the season has got up and running for them.

It has not been easy, but if the early stages were the fire they had to fight through then the rest of the season could be a very enjoyable one for them.

Bridport still could enjoy cup success however, with the Bees having made it to the Dorset Senior Cup semi-final, where they will face one of Wimborne, Poole or Weymouth in the semi-final.

The season has not been without its highlights either: the 10-0 romp over Bristol Telephones in the Les Phillips Cup should live long in the fans’ memory, and the Bees have struck three goals or more past teams in the league on five occasions already.

It’s been tough, but there’s real reason, should their current spell of injuries and issues with availability be solved, to believe the bad times are behind them.