BRIDPORT boss Rob Marquis expects a difficult Toolstation Western League Premier Division season and believes his team must “learn on our feet”.

Marquis leads the Bees into his first competitive fixture as manager at home to Helston Athletic on Saturday (3pm).

With a much-changed squad, focusing heavily on young talent, Bridport have experienced mixed results in pre-season – amid two players contracting Covid-19 and self-isolation periods.

Victories over Wincanton Town and Balti Sports have been followed by defeats to Dorchester Sports and Portland United.

Last weekend, the Bees lost 2-1 to Lyme Regis before exacting revenge 3-2 in the second contest of their double header.

And, with the planned FA reshuffle appearing to greatly strengthen the Western League this summer, Marquis is under no illusion as to the size of his task.

READ MORE: Bridport 0-4 Portland United - match report

He told the Bridport News: “We understand (Helston) are going to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

“Their manager’s come over here to watch and we’ve been told they’ve brought players in so we’re expecting a very, very tough game.

“At the end of the day, if we get something out of the game, I’d be more than pleased.

“Our team is going to be ever-changing in August and September. We’ll be doing our best to get it right.

“To a degree, we’re going to have to learn on our feet. I’ve only had four training sessions due to Covid.

“But there’s no excuses. James (Short, coach) does a lot of work and we really needed a 10-week programme, we haven’t had the luxury of that.”

Jake Owen returns after a thigh strain, Chris Hastings is available following self-isolation and new signing Troy Walbridge is in contention after missing the 4-0 loss to Portland through work.