BRIDPORT’S Ryan Dovell could be out for the rest of the season, boss Trevor Senior has revealed.

Dovell is struggling with a knee injury picked up in the Bees’ FA Vase clash with Highworth Town last November.

The former Dorchester striker sustained the problem after colliding with team-mate Jamie Symes during the 3-0 defeat.

“Unfortunately, we might have to write off Ryan for the season,” said St Mary’s Field manager Senior.

“He’s been to the physio a couple of times and they think he will have to see a specialist.

“It might be a bit of cartilage damage.

“He’s a bit despondent because he is in his 30s and wants to keep playing as much as he can.

“But you’ve got to get these things right and it could take time.”

He added: “This is the longest I’ve known him to be out of the side.

“We definitely miss him and his experience, enthusiasm and goals.”

As well as Dovell, Senior will be without son Chris for Satur- day’s trip to Longwell Green Sports (3pm) due to work commitments.

However, Warren Byerley (knee) and Adam Symes (hamstring) are both hoping to make the squad.

Bridport were missing a host of key names when they lost to this weekend’s opponents at St Mary’s Field back in Septem- ber.

Since then the Bristol outfit have won just three times in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division and sit 17th in the table.

The Bees lie eighth, seven points off leaders Bristol Manor Farm, following a scoreless draw with Hallen last time out.

“What I’m aiming for is to beat last season’s total of 53 points,” said Senior. “I think we need another seven wins to do that.

“We probably need another three wins to secure a top-half finish, but you never know what can happen if sides go on good runs.

“I’m looking at which teams we can catch and the next home game against Bitton is going to be a big six-pointer, though we need to get three points on Saturday first.

“If we can we’ll be ready for Bitton, then Cadbury Heath, and then the Les Phillips Cup game after that.”

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