MARK Hodkinson has backed Dawlish Town to set the Premier Division alight next season after his side were hammered by the Division One leaders in south Devon.

The Bradford boss was in awe of the passing and movement of the Dawlish players on a boggy surface saturated by rain at Sandy Lane.

He said: "Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say we were beaten by the better team. Some of their movement was superb. I'm just glad we don't have to play them again this season.

"If it had been earlier in the season I think the game would have been called off. Having said that, Dawlish were still popping passes all over the waterlogged pitch."

Bradford had a 14 day break before Saturday's game and Hodkinson believes the rest would have been beneficial to prepare for any side other than Dawlish.

He said: "To have no fixtures for two weeks and then come to a place like Dawlish was tough for us.

"I think 4-0 flattered them a little, but it's difficult to argue with the end result because they are such a good side.

"I was quite pleased with the attitude of my players. The lads kept battling in difficult conditions when we could have just rolled over."

Bradford trailed by only one goal at half-time but a clinical 15 minute spell by the hosts after the restart killed any hopes of a comeback.

Dawlish player-manager Chris Myers doubled his side's lead with a sublime lob over Danny Holdcroft.

The Bradford stopper felt he was fouled for the third goal when the Dawlish striker slid in with studs showing, but the goal was allowed to stand.

The visitors conceded a fourth before leading scorer Steve Tweddle was denied a late penalty shout.