BRIDPORT Reserves’ slump in form continued with two more losses in the Dorset Premier League.

Adam Herring’s men have now lost 12 league games in a row after reigning champions Holt United upset a strengthened Bees 2-0, before Portland United Reserves won their derby 1-0.

Both defeats came at home, with Bridport slipping into the bottom two, currently placed in 16th.

With the first team’s bye weekend, caused by Torridgeside’s withdrawal from the Walter C Parson Cup, the reserves took on senior players in a bid to alleviate their results headache.

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However, they came up against a Holt side more than capable of mixing it above Step 7 level.

Their performance underlined why some in Dorset feel the Bulls are ready to make the step up in class if they meet the necessary criteria.

Some five first-teamers from Bridport dropped down, including George Calverley, skipper Luke King, Will Gape, Sol Ayunga and Harley Brook.

That did not prevent Holt from claiming a 2-0 lead at half-time, though.

The Bulls charged out from their stall to net two early goals through usual suspects Corey Elwick and Ali Garrard.

Bees’ goalkeeper Mark Cuff was the busier of the two custodians, while Bridport’s only real chances of note came from set-pieces.

George Calverley’s deliveries caused problems, especially from corners, as the Holt defence was forced to head off the line three times in quick succession.

Bridport could not find the breakthrough as Ayunga fired a free-kick into the wall and later skied an ambitious effort well over.

Holt rode the remaining time out to record their eighth win from 11 matches and consolidate their second place.

Bridport then had the chance to return to winning ways on Tuesday night against Portland United Reserves, a team showing massive improvement this season.

The Blues are presently in fourth place behind Holt and Merley only on goal difference and once more showed their ability to win on the road with a narrow one-goal win.

Josh Camp came up with the goods in the 25th minute, scoring his fourth goal in two games, as the Blues closed out their second clean sheet in a row.

Bridport Reserves next host Sturminster Marshall in a bottom-of-the-table clash at St Mary’s Field on Saturday (3pm).