BRIDPORT boss Trevor Senior has reiterated his view that he has a stronger squad this season compared to last and feels that is now starting to show.

The Bees have picked up seven points out of the last 12 and will be looking to get something out of Saturday’s showdown with Odd Down (Bath) at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

Sam Charles, Shane Evans and Max Buckler are all unavailable for the fixture against a side five places and three points better off than Bridport in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division table.

Steve Smith’s loan stay has finished and he has returned to Wimborne Town but Senior has signed Sean Stewart from Dorset Senior League side Upwey and Broadwey.

He won’t be free to feature on Saturday due to a suspension but with strikers Ryan Dovell and Tom Richardson hitting their straps with goals last weekend at Cadbury Heath, Bridport are improving after a slow start to the campaign.

“I’m quite happy with things,” said Senior. “I said in pre-season we were aiming for the top six, which is looking a bit ambitious at the moment.

“But I feel we have a stronger squad than last year and now we are turning performances into points.

“Ryan Dovell is a massive player for us and he takes pressure off players around him. He and Tom both scored on Saturday and are working well together.

“Sam Charles is unavailable for a couple of weeks which will give him the chance to rest after playing quite a bit of football this season.

“And Sean Stewart has signed for us but he is serving a suspension and has got one game to go.”

The Bees secured a well-deserved point at Cadbury Heath – but they came so close to taking all three.

The visitors led 2-1 thanks to goals from Dovell and Richard-son but had to settle for a draw when the hosts equalised five minutes from time.

Heath’s late leveller could well have been a match winner had Bees’ keeper Sam Filkins not saved Matt Huxley’s penalty with the score at 1-1 in the second half.

“If I’d been offered a point before the game I would have taken it and I think a draw was just about a fair result,” added Senior.

“Overall, I was pleased with a point and, all in all, it was a good team performance.

“We’ve picked up a few points recently and will look to do the same at home against Odd Down on Saturday.”

Bees: S Filkins, J Filkins, Staines, Evans, Watts, Hayter, Luke, Wise, Richardson, Dovell (M Buckler 78), Morley (Condliffe 70). Sub not used: Cummings.