Somerset County Premier Division

Clutton 1, Bridgwater Town Reserves 3

BRIDGWATER Town Reserves got their first win of the season on Saturday and did so in some style with a 3-1 victory over last season’s champions Clutton.

The game started evenly, with neither team able to create any clear cut chances within the opening 20 minutes.

Bridgwater went close to breaking the deadlock 30 minutes in after the excellent Ellis Harper beat his man and fired a low cross to John Matthews at the far post, who was denied by an outstanding save.

Minutes later it was Harper again who was foiled by the keeper as his will struck shot was turned around the post when the ball looked destined for the bottom corner.

Not to be denied, with five minutes left before half time, Harper once again beat his man and he squared the ball to Kenzie Farnham who bundled the ball in from close range.

Clutton hit back immediately though and equalised just before half time after Bridgwater got caught on the break which allowed the Clutton number nine to calmly finish from close range.

Clutton started the second half brighter and Josh Hayward in the Bridgwater goal was forced in to an excellent save, flying to his left to tip the ball over the bar.

As the game went on, Bridgwater’s midfield of Andy Venning, Harry Horton and Mike Duffy began to take control of the game and it was Duffy that restored Bridgwater’s lead after a neat lay off by Neil Peek allowed Duffy to fire in left footed from the edge of the box.

Bridgwater sealed the deserved victory with 15 minutes remaining after a long clearance from Hayward found Harper in the clear and he cut inside and curled the ball in to the top corner.

Manager Luke Buckingham said: “Despite the results, I’ve been pleased with large parts of performances in recent weeks and the result today is a reflection of the hard work and the commitment the players have shown since pre season began.

“We have the youngest team in the league by far, but the squad has shown that we can compete with the best teams in the league and we are already looking forward to the game next Saturday at home versus Odd Down Reserves”.