ALTHOUGH admitting his side’s preparations have been far from ideal, Trevor Senior remains confident heading into tomorrow’s curtain-raiser at Barnstaple Town (3pm).

The Bees open their Toolstation Western Premier Division campaign with a trip to North Devon.

And while Town finished two points below Bridport in last season’s standings, the Mill Road outfit completed the double over Senior’s troops with 1-0 and 3-0 victories.

Heading into the clash, the Bees have recorded just a solitary victory in pre-season – a 4-1 win over a Plymouth XI – but see two of their scheduled friendlies cancelled due to the opposition’s failure to raise a team.

Previewing tomorrow’s encounter, Senior said: “They were one of the teams near us last season but we put in one of our worst displays at their place, so I’m sure the lads will want to put that right.

“In a way it’s nice to have the first game away from home, especially as pre-season has been very disjointed, and we’re hopeful of getting something from the trip.

“I have heard that they are currently on their second manager since the end of last season but we’ll just worry about ourselves as we want to get some points on the board as quickly as possible.

“We’ve got Wells at home on Tuesday night so hopefully we can get something from both games.”

Bridport have bolstered their ranks with the addition of Dorchester Town defender Sam Buckler on dual registration.

However, the county town youngster is unable to make his debut tomorrow.

Chris Senior is also unavailable while midfielders Darren Watts and Russell Legg are both doubtful.

The Bees’ boss added: “The squad’s not looking too bad but we won’t have any new faces on show tomorrow, besides Jamie Filkins.

“Sam is a good signing for us but he is unavailable tomorrow due to work commitments. He needs to be playing at a reasonable standard so that if he is needed at Dorchester, he would be ready.

“Chris is also unavailable and it looks like Darren could be as well due to work commitments.

“Russell is an injury doubt after turning his ankle and there is a question mark over whether he will start.

“Other than that, we should be okay. Dan Peart will hopefully be involved after being unsure whether he was going to stay at the club.

“Chris Luke is also back in the country and as long as he is okay he will also be in the squad.

“His extra experience could be vital this year. He says we didn’t see the best of him last season but towards the end I saw enough to realise what a good player he is.”

Bees (from): S Filkins, Condliffe, C Clarke, Hayter, Evans, Lock, Wise, Luke, Watts, Legg, J Filkins, Peart, B Clarke.