Bridgwater Town 1 Bideford 4

TEN goals conceded in two games over four days tells a story, but not the full one as Bridgy’s young and newly-assembled side were again well beaten on Tuesday night at Fairfax Park, writes Kerry Miller.

Defensive naivety was pitched against an older and far more experienced North Devon side who went into an early 3-0 lead from which there was no way back.

But there were plenty of positives as Craig Laird’s squad continued to battle when it looked as though they might ship a cricket score and drew the second half 1-1 after a header from Harry Horton just past the hour had got them on the score sheet.

Ollie Trevarthen flicked on for George Sinnott to drive over in the first move of the game then veteran Kevin Squire set up Matt Andrew who did likewise, but they did not have to wait long for the opener as James Richards went on a skilful run before lifting the ball over Josh Hayward with six minutes gone.

Fifteen minutes later it was 2-0 when Andrew drilled home a 20 yarder after a corner was not cleared and when Dan Western took advantage of a defensive tangle before the half hour Bridgy were looking at the wrong end of a cricket score.

Boss Laird made changes and after the break Bridgy tested the away defence which included Chris McGrath, former Bridgy and Taunton defender and son of former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath.

They had a good spell but Bideford were dangerous on the break and on the hour Benn Watson’s pace was too much and he rolled the fourth under Hayward.

Five minutes later Horton gave the home support something to cheer when he nodded in Western’s precise cross and substitute George Kellow could have halved the deficit soon after but scuffed his shot on the turn which proved to be the last chance for the home side.

When the dust settled the young side will take heart but the need to up the rate of passes finding their target before the double header against Taunton Town next Saturday and Slimbridge on Bank Holiday Monday.

First though, Town host South West Peninsula League outfit Plymouth Parkway this Saturday in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.