ROBIN Townsend is looking for Bridport Reserves to kick on in the new year, and put a run together to move up the Dorset Premier League table.

Currently in 11th spot in the division, a point outside the top 10 with 23 points from 18 games played, the Bees’ boss believes their current position is not a reflection on his side’s ability, but insists they have to prove it.

He told Echosport: “We are hoping to get ourselves on a bit of a run and get where I believe we should be.

“We should be in the top six of the league, we have the squad to do that and I think we have proven that by beating the top sides in the past and giving the sides at the top good games.

“I have been pretty frustrated this year, our league form has not been the best but we have done well in the cup, which we should do every year.”

In an honest assessment, the Bridport manager stated he didn’t believe his side had bettered themselves collectively throughout 2014, but believes there are a lot of underlying reasons why.

He added: “I wouldn’t say I feel like we have improved, I think we have been stagnant and not moved forward in great aspects.

“We have lost one or two players and we have tried to recruit through the youth system and I’m afraid that’s not quite happened.

“We have missed people like Darren Lock and Ashley Clarke, who looks to be out of for the season now. We have missed their kind of influences.”

But the St Mary’s Field chief did take the time to praise some promising individuals who have stood out this term.

“I have been really pleased with Harry Fleet,” he added.

“Out of the 19 or 20 games he has played he has only had one bad one. He has hit some really good form.

“I have been pleased with Jamie Fry as well, in some games he has kept us in it.”

Townsend, who was unavailable for his side’s 3-2 win over Blandford United on Saturday, is hoping to be back in the dugout for his side’s home clash with Hamworthy Recreation at St Mary’s Field (2pm).