BRIDGWATER Town's hopes of a run in this season's FA Cup were dashed after a crushing 6-0 home defeat at the hands of South West Peninula League outfit Plymouth Parkway this afternoon, writes Mark Hollidge 

The scoreline was a fair reflection of the game, as Town were outplayed and overawed by a very good Parkway team, but they made it far too easy for their opponents.

Without doing much at all in attack in the first half, the visitors still managed to enter the break two goals to the good.

After an even opening phase, Parkway scored the softest of goals.

Josh Grant was allowed too much space to twist and turn on the right side of the penalty area and his half-hit shot went through Josh Hayward’s hands and over the line.

Harry Horton sent a long-range effort just wide, before the second goal arrived.

A free-kick from Steve Colwell was sent from right to left and, from near the penalty spot, Josh Zimmerman outjumped Hayward and his header plonked into the net.

The game got a bit combustible for a while and new signing Syd Camper and Kurt Robinson both received yellow cards, as did Parkway’s Tyler Elliot.

At the end of this phase and just shy of half time George Kellow, Town’s most industrious player, sent a firm shot into the side netting.

Town’s second half was worse than the first.

Almost straightaway Grant burst through a non- tackle but surprisingly side footed wide when it looked easier to score.

However goal number three was only moments away. In acres of space on the left wing Chris Head collected a crossfield pass and then beat Hayward at the near post.

In Town’s best chance of the game George Sinnott’s free-kick struck the angle of post and bar.

Irritated by this, Parkway then turned it on and totally commanded the last half hour and added three more goals.

Grant scored his second with a pure 20-yard strike into the top left corner of the net and then he almost got his hat trick when his volley from close in struck the foot of a post.

Jamie Bass joined in the Devon club’s fun with a volley at the far post and Grant secured his hat-trick when he ran through a big hole in the middle of the defence before slipping the ball past Hayward.

The final whistle couldn’t come soon enough for beleaguered Town.

Sixteen goals conceded and one scored in three games are alarming statistics and boss Craig Laird seemingly faces a major test to get this team competitive in the Southern League.

The Town faithful will all hope he succeeds.