Evostik Southern League Division 1 S&W

Bridgwater Town 3, Clevedon Town 0

TWO goals in the first seven minutes set Bridgwater Town on their way to a comfortable Boxing Day victory over local rivals Clevedon Town, as the Robins cruised to a ninth league win of the season.

Tom Knighton pounced twice in the opening stages to give Town an early lead, before Alex Chamberlain added a third 18 minutes from time.

On a cold and blustery afternoon at Fairfax Park, Town made a confident start and were soon off the mark when Knighton latched on to an under-hit back-pass and rounded the keeper, before firing into an empty net from a tight angle.

The hosts were really firing on all cylinders and doubled their lead just four minutes later, as Knighton took advantage of some neat play from Joe Bushin.

Bushin’s expertly-placed back-heel found Knighton in space and his powerful drive left keeper Mannings with little chance.

O’Hare went close to making it three on the half-four, forcing a good save from Mannings – and Clevedon Town almost pulled one back when Jamie Adams’ smoothly struck half-volley struck the woodwork.

Chamberlain then spurned a brilliant chance to put the game to bed on 35 minutes but, having rounded the keeper, he was unable to convert with the goal at his mercy.

After the break, Bridgwater struggled to find the same rhythm that had served them so well in the first-half – and they had to wait until the 72nd minute for their third goal.

Chamberlain’s shot from the edge of the penalty area just evaded the keeper’s grip – with the aid of a deflection – and dropped over the line.

Scott Thomas came close to making it four with a header and Allward’s long-range effort just drifted the wrong side of the upright.

Kyle Thomas’ rasping effort almost bagged a consolation for Clevedon but Bridgwater had looked assured throughout the afternoon and kept their clean sheet intact.

Town: John, Grimshaw, Allward, Thomas, Allan, Robertson, O’Hare (Byrne 56), Chamberlain, Knighton, Bushin (McNab 67) , Tooze (Welling 78).