HOLT United boss Lee Bradford admits his charges face an uphill battle to wrestle the Dorset Premier League leadership away from high-flying Portland United.

The Islanders are now 10 points clear at the top, after beating Bridport 6-1 in the only game played in the division on Saturday.

Along with their fellow title chasers Hamworthy Recreation, Westland Sports, Gillingham Town and Poole Borough, United had their game postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

This has left the all of Portland's pursuers with considerable ground to make up at the top.

And Bradford believes the championship is the Islanders' to throw away.

He said: "I can't really see Portland slipping up but you never know in this league.

"I don't know how they manage to keep playing every week, given the weather, but they do and they keep picking up points.

"Portland will have to play a few mini-cup finals against the likes of us, Hamworthy Rec and Westland over the coming months.

"We've got to play them away at some point, so we can narrow the gap by winning that game.

"But they're a fantastic side and I think it's there for them to throw away at this point."

The vast number of postponements carries some hope for the chasing clubs, who all have games in hand.

Holt have played one less than Portland, while Gillingham have three in hand and Rec and Westland have four apiece.

But Bradford admits every club would trade these beacons of hope to have points on the board.

He added: "There is a long way to go but if you have games in hand, they are likely to come thick and fast.

"The team which has got the points on the board has a huge advantage.

"Come the end of the season, the likes of Hamworthy Rec and Westland will be playing two games a week.

"This is going to take its toll on them, so I'd much rather be in Portland's position."