BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

HOLT UNITED 7

BRIDPORT Reserves were thrashed 7-2 by Jewson Dorset Premier League title contenders Holt United at St Mary’s Field.

Holt can draw level with leaders Sturminster Newton should they win their three games in hand and the manner of this display suggests they have every chance of doing so.

Bridport began brightly and saw the returning Dan Baggs head straight at the Holt keeper, before the Bulls went up the other end and struck the woodwork, also having a shot cleared off the line.

When Holt made the breakthrough, they quickly made it 2-0 as Ali Garard and Scott Bungay got on the scoresheet.

READ MORE: Double loss for Bridport Reserves

Holt did struggle to live with 16-year-old Kieran Coombs and the teenager’s mazy run drew a foul in the box, Dom McAllister stepping up to score for 2-1.

This was a mere blip in Holt’s dominance, though, as the Bulls went into the break 4-1 up courtesy of Corey Elwick and Kyle John-Clement strikes.

Bridport began the second half on top and, in near identical fashion to the first half, Baggs saw a header brilliantly denied by the away keeper.

However, Holt looked ravenous for more goals and Garard in particular quenched his thirst by completing a hat-trick for 6-1.

To their credit, Bridport ploughed on and Rowan Kirkbride’s dazzling run allowed him to shoot, only to be denied by the post with McAllister well placed to slot home the rebound.

Holt had the final say in the dying embers when Connor Bent grabbed their seventh goal.

Bridport manager Adam Herring said: “We could’ve scored a couple more goals but they could’ve. It’s a fair result.

“It’s just consistency with squad selection, different partnerships and new players, and obviously playing against a good side that will be challenging near the top.

“All those put together it was a drubbing.”

Bridport host league leaders Sturminster Newton on Saturday (3pm).

Bees: Wootton, Elliott, Ja Scadding, Wellman, Jarvis (N House), Gear, Burwood (Etherington), McAllister, Morgan (Kirkbride), Coombs, Baggs.