BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker felt his side were fighting fit after their 1-1 draw with Tiverton Town Reserves, as eight of his squad played the full 90 minutes.

Mark Salter scored his first goal of pre-season in the first half as Fricker could only pick a squad of 14 for the match at Ladysmead, due to injuries and work commitments.

Despite the lack of players midway through pre-season, the manager was impressed with his team’s application.

Talking to Echosport, he said: “It was a decent run out for us.

“We worked really hard and both teams cancelled each other out.

“There were plenty of chances for us and we matched them.

“There were lots of positives to take from the game.”

New and old faces were part of the starting line-up for the friendly and the boss was pleased with their collective performances.

He added: “I think they all played well. Kris Hastings, our new signing from Sherborne, is getting better with each game.

“He has not had a lot of pre-season, so he’s getting stronger with each game he plays.

“Salter showed what he’s all about getting his goal and being clinical.

“We went with a different shape and played Ben Haines and Matt Condliffe as wing banks and they were excellent. You know they can do that job because of the fitness they have.

“Tom Blair relished his free role behind the two strikers.

“He did have to come off for a grass burn but he soldiered on.

“We have a great mix in the squad.”

There was also good news off the pitch for the Bees as injuries to Ryan Hayter and Luke Woodland seem to be better than first feared.

Speaking about the pair, Fricker explained: “Ryan has an outside chance to play in the first game of the season.

“It’s going to be a matter of weeks rather than months so that is a major plus.

“Luke Woodland is set to return on Tuesday (against Ilminster Town) so we should go into the opening day of the season with a full squad apart from the unavailability of Haines and the suspension of Tom Blair.”

Before their game against Ilminster, Bridport will make the long journey to Plymouth Parkway on Saturday (3pm), where he is set to play his strongest team.

The boss remarked: “They are a very strong side and it will probably be our toughest game of pre-season.

“It will be our most competitive game and we will rotate on Tuesday (against Ilminster).”