BRIDPORT manager Chris Herbst is eyeing up improvements in possession when the Bees host Beer Albion in their second pre-season friendly tonight (7.30pm).

Herbst felt the Bees gifted the ball away too often to Portland United in the 2-0 defeat on Saturday.

He labelled Bridport’s ball retention as being akin to passing a “hot potato” around and signalled his desire for more care in possession.

Herbst also revealed he chose Albion as a summer fixture due to their application to join the Peninsula League, which has now been rejected by The FA.

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Ahead of hosting the Step 7 side, Herbst told the Bridport News: “I’m looking for (us to keep) the ball a bit better.

“It was a bit like a hot potato, with not a lot of quality in the first half.

“Fitness-wise I thought we looked good and finished strongly in the second half.

“So, we just need to build on that and look after the ball, with more quality and create a few more chances.”

Elaborating on Beer, Herbst added: “Well, they tried to come into our league and we’ve played Beer a few times.

“They were doing really well in the league below, so I thought it was a good one to have.

“It will be a physical battle, that’s always been the case when I’ve played them.

“I know they’ll be a decent side, so I want us to test ourselves against them.”

Riley Weedon, Jake Childs, George Calverley, Sol Ayunga and Will Gape all return for Bridport, who will field two trialists.

However, Darren Lock, Ryan Gall, Ryan Leader and Isaac House are unavailable.