Bridgwater’S good away run came to a shuddering halt at Paulton on Saturday, writes Eddie Robinson.

Robertson and Pitcher were the only absentees from the side which won at Bideford (report on page 79) earlier in the week and the loss of those two experienced players was certainly felt.

In the continued absence of Young, Kenny again played as a central striker but once more could contribute little.

In the early stages, Bridgwater were pinned back and on numerous occasions in the first half failed to ease the pressure by faulty clearances, which handed possession back to Paulton. Thomas did provide relief with a good run down and he had Bridgwater’s first shot on goal after 17 minutes.

Paulton had a series of corners which spelt trouble, one of which was headed off the line by Thomas. But, a minute later, Moon blocked a goal-bound shot to concede another corner, which Brimson failed to clear. This led to a goalmouth scramble in which Paulton hit the bar and Marshall was first to react to the rebound to put Paulton in the lead on 27 minutes.

Turner was cautioned for a poor challenge when the ball was going nowhere on the halfway line. Paulton looked most likely to create a chance but there was little goal threat from Bridgwater.

Bridgwater rang the changes in the second half, bringing on all three subs in the opening 15 minutes.

Moon was able to bring some sorely-needed pace to a pedestrian midfield but at the back Nunn and Middleton became the only two regular defenders. Midway through the half, keeper Burgess lost the ball but Kenny could not deliver quickly enough and Brimson’s follow-up drifted wide with what was to prove just about Bridgwater’s last attack. On 71 minutes, Lyons conceded one-too-many free kicks and when the ball was played to the far post Claridge headed in, despite the efforts of Peppin on the line.

A comeback looked unlikely but those thoughts became academic when Middleton conceded a penalty, which was converted 12 minutes from the end.

In the remaining time, Bridgwater lost their shape and finished a well-beaten side.

Bridgwater: Wood, Farmer, Merceica (sub, replaced Farmer on 58 minutes), Turner, Moon (replaced Turner 51 minutes), Nunn, Middleton, Peppin, Lyons, Thomas, Kenny, Jones, Dunne (sub 46 minutes for Jones), Brimson.