BRIDPORT boss Jamie Manley has backed the Bees to "bounce back" from a 9-2 thrashing at Street in their Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash at home to Bradford Town on Saturday (3pm).

Bridport had suffered a grizzly mauling at the Tannery as former player Leighton Thomas scored a hat-trick in a 9-2 defeat on Tuesday.

Looking ahead to the Bradford game, Manley said: "This league is ruthless and if you're not on it you'll get punished.

"It's not great but we're big enough to bounce back and that's what we'll be looking to do on Saturday.

"We know that's not going to be an easy game, but it's all down to the character the lads are going to show."

Commenting on second-placed Bradford, Manley added: "Bradford are good side, they've got very good strikers.

"Then again, it's a test. After being turned over 9-2, this should be a good test for the lads.

"They've got something to prove that we're better than what that result shows and that was just a freak result.

"With Bradford, they'll be up there come the end of the season, no doubt. They're no mugs and I should imagine they'll be looking to win the league or challenging for the whole season. It's going to be a tough game."

Ryan Dovell and Lloyd Beals (both knee) are doubts, while Dec Cornish (thumb) will be assessed.