BRIDPORT are “hungry” to return to action at Bridgwater Town on Saturday (3pm) following a three-week break in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division, according to boss Jamie Manley.

Manley’s men are 19th of 21 teams and travel to a Bridgwater side that comprehensively beat the Bees 6-0 at St Mary’s Field earlier this season.

Postponements and a quiet festive schedule for the Bees has led to the lengthy gap between games – Bridport’s last being a 3-1 loss to Exmouth on December 14.

But Manley admitted the lay-off has worked in Bridport’s favour, allowing some ailments within the squad to be cured.

He told the Bridport News: “It’s one of those things we’ve had to get on with. We’ve had a few lads who’ve had knocks, so that’s given them a good rest.

“Tom Salter has been struggling, he’s had a chest infection. It gives him time to get that.

“We all want to play and the lads will be hungry and determined to get back playing, but it won’t be an easy game.

“Personnel has changed since the (reverse) game so we are a lot stronger. We’ll be ready for the task and hopefully we’ll have enough to get something out of the game.

“They’re a good side, Bridgwater. They’ve got Southern League experience in their side, but if we put in the effort like we did in the last two games against Parkway and Exmouth then we’ll give them a run for their money.”

Centre-back Andy Holmes is unavailable but Ben Haines could make his debut.

Elsewhere, Lyme Regis host Colyton in league action on Saturday (2.15pm)