STRIKER Simon Gale is battling to be fit for Bridport's opening day clash with Dawlish Town at Sandy Lane on Saturday.

The Bees' leading marksman, who has netted eight times in pre-season, is nursing a hamstring injury sustained in the Two Counties Cup defeat at Portland United.

He managed to get through last Saturday's game at Westland Sports - scoring a hat-trick - but thinks he might have aggravated the problem and has missed training this week.

He said: "I felt it a couple of days after the Portland game and I reckon it went during the warm down funnily enough.

"It should be okay for Saturday and I hope to be able to play at least 70 minutes."

Bridport were also rocked by the news that winger Mark Radcliffe will miss the start of the season.

The university student expected to be around until October, but he has been offered a temporary post as assistant physiotherapist at Nationwide Second Division Port Vale.

He follows in the footsteps of his elder brother Matthew, who was head physio at Vale Park last season before moving to Crewe Alexandra.

Bees' assistant manager Barry Lawley said: "It's good news for Mark but bad news for us. In fairness to the lad it's a fantastic opportunity for him and we all wish him well.

"Hopefully he'll be back at St Mary's Field later in the season but obviously his career comes first."

Simon Austin is likely to come on the right hand side and Lawley said he deserves his place in the starting line up.

"Simon's played well in pre-season in a number of positions and I'm sure he'll do a good job filling in for Mark if required."