BRIDPORT manager Rob Marquis believes a win over fellow strugglers Ashton & Backwell United on Saturday (3pm) could be a “catalyst” for the Bees’ season.

Marquis leads the Bees into their Toolstation Western League Premier Division clash off the back of seven straight league defeats.

However, league newcomers the Stags have lost all four of their league games since switching divisions.

In a further twist, Bridport have numerous unavailabilities for the contest following Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Bridgwater United.

Marquis said: “We’ve got to go for it. The concern would be where the goals are coming from.

“Towards the end of (Tuesday) we had more belief in the final third, so maybe we’ll carry that through.

“It’s like when strikers have droughts. They get one and it’s just breaking that seal.

READ MORE: Bridport 0-2 Bridgwater United - match report

“Let’s be realistic, we’re fighting in a league at the bottom but (victory) could be a catalyst.

“I have to say fair play to the lads because they’re not quitting. It’s easy to not come back and have a go.”

Troy Walbridge (Achilles) will be assessed but Finlay Jarvis, Jordon Scadding, Jaydon Scadding and Harry Burwood are unavailable.

Marquis said: “We’ll have a look squad-wise and do what we can. It’s not ideal, in a game that you’re looking forward to and there’s players missing. But that’s life.

“That’s the job of a football manager, you have to deal with it.”

On Walbridge’s injury, Marquis said: “It was an impact injury, the lad went through him – an old-fashioned tackle.

“It was sore and it’s whacked on that back bit. It’s tender but he’s moving his toes. I don’t think there’s any broken bone.”

Commenting on the 2-0 Bridgwater defeat, Marquis added: “Second half I thought we were very, very good.

“In fairness, they did have a couple of chances.

“Dom McAllister and Tony Carlile did well in midfield, they gave us a bit of stability and Dan Baggs was outstanding.

“Malakai (Stanners) and Finlay (Jarvis) gave us pace.

“Obviously we need to worry about our forward play. You can defend all you like but if you don’t score goals you’re not going to win, are you?

“The stability was there and the shape of the team.

“I was worried after the two goals but we shook it off quite well. It was like a clout round the head.”

Marquis also praised the introduction of Riley Greenwood-Neate following Walbridge’s injury.

“He was very lively,” Marquis said.

“I’d like to see him give a 90-minute performance like that. He’s staked his claim and he was unlucky with a great shot.

“A couple of times we got in the box and we were loading the trigger but not quite putting our foot through it, a couple of scuffed chances.

“Riley was another outstanding performance and for 45 minutes he didn’t stop running. He was a thorn in their side and gave us a different dimension.”