TWO injury-time goals from Russell Francis did nothing to paper over the cracks of a dismal defensive display by Bradford as they were crushed by a rampant Bridport on Saturday.

The Dorset team raced into a 6-0 lead before two neat finishes by Francis added some semblance of respectability to the scoreline.

Boss Mark Hodkinson said he was at a loss to explain how his side had managed to self-implode in the last fortnight.

He said: "We looked shocking in the first half on Saturday. Our defending was very, very poor indeed.

"I really don't know how I should react with the players. They are the same group of lads that took us on a seven-match unbeaten run. I just can't put my finger on what has gone wrong."

Bridport were four goals to the good after 40 minutes thanks to a series of mix-ups in the Bradford defence.

Despite a grilling from Hodkinson during the break, Bradford conceded two more goals in the second half and only hit back when Bridport took their foot off the gas.

Francis must emerge with some credit after scoring two identical goals. On both occasions he cut in from the right wing before placing the ball across the goalkeeper into the far side of the net.

Hodkinson planned to hold a team meeting before training on Wednesday night to identify the changes needed at the back.

He said: "We will just have to get back to basics and try to cut out the individual errors that have been costing us goals, and ultimately costing us games.

"It's frustrating because we seem to be going in the opposite direction after a great run mid-season.

"Now it's vital to work hard for one another and play some simple, direct football. It might not be pretty to watch but we need to start picking up points again."

Bradford travel to Clevedon tomorrow without goalkeeper Danny Holdcroft, who will be in Turin for a pre-Winter Olympics training camp with the Great Britain Bob Skeleton team.

Defenders Russell Whatley and Steve Wickings, and midfielder Nathan Grant, will also be unavailable after picking up knocks against Bridport.

Hodkinson said: "We need to start beating the teams below us if we want to stay out of trouble. The last two performances have been unacceptable.

"We know it will be tough against Clevedon but I just want us to go there and compete, whatever the result. At the moment the players are deflated and their heads are low. It's my job to pick them back up again. I hope something positive comes out of Wednesday night."