TREVOR Senior has confirmed that knee injury victim Ryan Dovell will not play for Bridport again until the new year after it was confirmed he had suffered medial ligament damage.

Dovell originally picked up the injury during the Bees’ FA Vase exit at the hands of Highworth Town last month.

Bridport boss Senior yesterday told Echosport that Dovell would miss all the games over the festive period, including tomorrow’s clash with Buckland Athletic at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

“Ryan’s injury is a big blow for us,” said Senior. “He has been playing well for us this season and has had man of the match a few times.

“He always weighs in with a goal and has shown his versatility by playing in defence and midfield, as well as up front. He won’t be anywhere near fit until the new year so it’s a huge loss.”

Warren Byerley returns to the squad this weekend having been unavailable for the defeat to Bristol Manor Farm.

On the Buckland match, Senior added: “They are one of the best sides we have played this season and they play some good football.”

Buckland, in fifth, beat the Bees 3-0 in August and have won their last six in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

Bees (from): Weeks, A Symes, Morley, Clarke, Stewart, Senior, R Hayter, Filkins, Condliffe, Wise, Richardson, Evans, J Symes, Byerley, Rh Hayter