When Chris Herbst took over the manager's job at Bridport, the Bees were languishing at the foot of the South West Peninsular League Premier East division without a win to their name.

His first game in charge ended in a 6-0 defeat by Newton Abbot Spurs, leaving Herbst to ponder on whether he had down the right thing by accepting the manager's job at St Mary's Field.

Since then the affable Herbst, much respected in local football circles, has performed a near miracle and last Saturday recorded the Bees' fourth victory on the trot without a defeat with a 1-0 win over Torridgeside, thanks to Tom Richardson's fourth goal in four games.

Before that match there was a minute's silence for sports journalist Stuart Broom, the former Lyme Regis player, who covered Bridport for the now defunct View from Bridport Newspaper. Stuart died in December after a short illness, aged 74.

The Bees' recent good form has seen them rise up the table to 16th place and tomorrow Herbst has the chance to see just how much progress his squad has made with an away trip to the side that make him think twice in his first game in charge. It will be no easy task at Newton Abbot Spurs are in fifth place.

Former first team captain Dab Baggs, who started the season as skipper under former manager Edgar Marcu, has been unable to force his way back into the side and has signed for Chard Town.

Reserves's skipper Kriss Radivojsa is also leaving St Mary's Field for Dorchester Sports.

Herbst has also persuaded two of his former colleagues at Lyme Regis, Fred Parsons and Kingsley Wellman, to sign for the Bees.