SHOLING showed just why they have been one of the front runners in this league this season with this comprehensive defeat of a Bridgwater Town side that is very much a "work in progress" team, writes Brian Austin.

Bridgwater opened brightly and forced two early corners but Mike Hookway in the Sholing goal was largely untroubled.

Sholing gradually took command of the midfield and started to find their men with unerring accuracy as the pressure mounted on the Bridgwater defence.

But it was Bridgwater who should have taken the lead when, after 21 minutes, George Brimson set up Kyle Thomas but the latter's weak shot from 12 yards was easily saved by Hookway.

A minute later, Sholing gave notice of what was to follow when a clever interchange of passes gave Tyronne Bowers a shooting opportunity but the ball cleared the cross bar by some distance as he shot from just out side the penalty area.

At the other end a neat headed flick on by Carl Jones almost put Brimsom in before Sholing took the lead through Kevin Gibbens after Dave Marden's header, from a corner, was only partially cleared.

The goal settled Sholing and they then took command when Danilson Vicente took advantage of hesitancy in the home defence to nip in and double their advantage with a neat finish.

Byron Mason should have put Sholing three clear just before half time when he beat keeper Stuart Wood in a race to the ball, but his lob bounced agonisingly just wide of the goal.

The second half became a repeat of the first with Sholing always looking likely to add to the score.

The pace of Marvin McLean down the right was a constant threat and together with Vicente they pulled the Bridgwater defence apart and it came as no real surprise when Nick Watts set up Mason for an easy tap in after 53 minutes to put them three up.

Home keeper Wood pulled off several fine saves to keep the score-line respectable before the lively Vicente made it 4-0 in the 78th minute.

Goal line clearances and keeper Wood combined to prevent any further scoring as Sholing deservedly took the points and showed just why they are one of the favourites for the title.

Bridgwater, with new signing Alexis Piper making his debut up front, were outplayed by a team that had pace in abundance, especially up front. They will now have to re-group following two heavy defeats on the trot before travelling to meet Almondsbury Town on Wednesday night.

Bridgwater Town FC would like to thank match sponsors Matt Lazenby and The Friends of BTFC, match ball sponsors Len Buckingham and Di and match programme sponsor Pete Criddle for their generosity.

Team: Wood, Nunn, Middleton, Townley, Pitcher, Lyons, Thomas, Robertson, Piper, Jones, Brimson. Subs: Durrant, Kenny, Mercieca.