BRIDPORT boss Chris Herbst has explained the last-minute signing of two Weymouth Under-23s players.

With injuries piling up, the Bees found themselves without a specialist keeper as Jordon Scadding (elbow) was ruled out for the eventual 1-0 loss at Torridgeside.

Reserves goalkeeper Mark Cuff’s partner then went into labour, rendering him unavailable for both teams.

It meant Herbst had to call Terras' Under-23s boss Craig Adams to sign shot-stopper Callum Smalley, who returns to St Mary’s Field on dual registration terms having first joined 18 months ago under previous boss Edgar Marcu.

READ MORE: Torridgeside 1-0 Bridport - report

Herbst also moved for Weymouth Under-23s midfielder Charlie Pitt, both players featuring against Torridgeside at the weekend.

Smalley, who made his National League South debut for Weymouth in the 1-1 draw with Tonbridge this season, was beaten by a freak wind-assisted goal, while Pitt came on for the final 34 minutes.

Speaking to Echosport, Herbst said: “Jordon’s injured, he got this lump on his elbow and he can’t really bend it.

“Luckily, I managed to get Callum in otherwise it was names in a hat, who’s going in goal?

“Cuffy couldn’t step up because his missus went into labour, so I was thinking: ‘Oh no’. It was a very stressful afternoon.”

On Pitt, Herbst added: “It was a difficult game to come in to but there’s definitely plenty of potential there.

“We need to boost the squad, we’re missing seven players. Coxy (James Cox), Sol (Ayunga), Tom (Richardson), Will Gape’s skiing, Ryan Gall and Adam Diaz.

“We’re struggling with injuries, so we need to get a few back and we’ll be OK.”

Bridport visit Newquay in the Walter C Parson Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (2.30pm).