HOLT United manager Lee Bradford felt the "Dog and Duck" could have carved his defence apart following a sensational second half collapse at Westland Sports.

The visitors had scorched into a 2-0 lead against the champions courtesy of goals from Tony White and Kris Henshall.

But a back four, which Bradford regards as "arguably the best defence in the league", was torn apart, as the Yeovil-based outfit claimed a 4-2 triumph.

Their defeat leaves title-chasing Holt six points adrift of Dorset Premier League leaders Portland United.

And their manager roasted his rearguard, claiming "they cost me a massive three points."

Bradford said: "It was comical defending - that term would sum up our second half performance.

"I said to the lads at half time that our strikers had done their job and it was up to the defence to win us the game.

"But they didn't - they cost us.

"It was Jekyll and Hyde between the halves and I think we would still have conceded those goals, if we were defending against the Dog and Duck."

VICTORY FOR BORO Poole Borough bagged their first league win since September 15, with a 3-2 victory at home to Cobham Sports.

Lee Thomas fired the Hornets in front, only for Luke Dawes to level for the Merley outfit within a few minutes.

Lee Diaper struck a double either side of half time to put Poole firmly in charge before Stuart Merrell netted a consolation from the penalty spot.

SWANS TAKE A POINT Holt were not the only title challengers dropping points as Portland were held 1-1 by a battling Swanage Town and Herston at Days Park.

Despite early pressure from the home side, the Islanders forged ahead with their first attack after 11 minutes.

Richard Sands levelled matters on 35 but Swans failed to turn an impressive display into three points.

Hamworthy Recreation also lost ground near the top after losing 2-1 at Gillingham Town.

Mike Notley put the visitors in front after 62 minutes but Lee Cunningham quickly equalised for the Gills.

Rec then inadvertently caused their downfall when Rikki Walden deflected a Gillingham shot home in the dying seconds.

BLANDFORD BEATEN At the bottom, Blandford United have now only taken one point from 10 matches this season following their 2-1 defeat at Sturminster Newton.

Mike Budd blasted the home team ahead after 22 minutes and Simon Freak doubled the advantage with a penalty just before half time.

Chris Trent pulled one back in the opening stages of the second period but the Royals failed to get back on terms.

  • In the day's other game, Sturminster Marshall suffered late heartbreak at Wincanton Town. Their colours were lowered 1-0 thanks to a Jon Vance strike one minute from time.