10:19am Sunday 21st March 2010
By Matthew Colledge
BRIDGWATER Town Reserves boss Rob Dray insists his side are well-placed to retain their Somerset County League Premier Division title – even though nine of their last ten games are away from home.
After Wednesday night, when Town host Castle Cary, their only other league fixture at Fairfax Park is against Nailsea United on April 26.
Although Dray is less than happy about the quirk of the fixture list, he insists his side have what it takes to edge out second- Bishops Lydeard, who trail Town on goal difference only.
Dray said: “I’m reasonably confident we can retain our title.
“It would be a fantastic achievement but to be honest anything less would feel like a disappointment.
“I’m really happy with our squad – we’ve got great strength in depth and real technical ability.
“It’s going to come down to mentality, how badly the players want it, and also that little bit of luck.”
Town picked up four points from their two games this week.
On Saturday, they beat Mangotsfield United 2-0 at Fairfax Park. Connor Watts opened the scoring on 11 minutes with a low shot into the corner.
Ian Belinger added the second just before half-time.
On Wednesday, Town needed a late Jamie Howson penalty, after Andrew Forward was felled, to secure a 2-2 draw at Frome Town Reserves.
Connor Watts had given Town the lead but they were trailing 2-1 with ten minutes to go until Howson’s spot-kick.
Dray said he was expecting a tough match on Wednesday night. “Castle Cary are a strong, physical side and tough to break down,” he said.
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