Somerset County Premier

Shirehampton 3, Bridgwater Town Res 2

BRIDGWATER Town Reserves manager Luke Buckingham believes his side deserved ‘at least a point’ from Saturday’s defeat at Shirehampton, after the league leaders inflicted a first league defeat on the Robins since August.

Goals from Stan Smith and Alex Male weren’t enough for Town as runaway leaders Shirehampton extended their lead at the top to 18 points – but Buckingham was pleased with the performance of his troops.

He said: “Although we lost, I was delighted with the majority of our performance.

“It was an excellent game of football and I think on balance we did enough for at least a point.

“It's the first league game we have lost since August and the group of players have been outstanding for far this season.

“The run has come to an end now and we are looking forward to our next game at home to Berrow next week.”

Bridgwater were without 14 players due to injury, illness and unavailability which included six of their regular defenders, but started the game on top with influential captain Chris Young dominating the midfield.

The pressure told after 20 minutes when the home team failed to clear a cross and the ball fell to 18-year-old midfielder Alex Male, who rifled home from the edge of the box.

Shirehampton were level after 30 minutes when Lee Villis, filling in at right back, failed to make a clear connection on his header back to goalkeeper Josh Hayward and striker Compton finished excellently.

Bridgwater continued to dominate proceedings with Tom Hopkins, who was making his debut in midfield, showing neat touches and an excellent range of passing.

The away side went back in front 10 minutes before half time after Alex Male played in striker Stan Smith who beat the offside trap and coolly finished past the goalkeeper.

The scores were level on the stroke of half time when a missed header in the Bridgwater back line allowed Compton to get his second from close range.

Having been second best for long periods of the first half, Shirehampton came quickly out of the blocks in the second half and dominated territory without creating any clear cut chances.

They took the lead after an hour though after another missed header allowed Compton to latch on to a loose ball and fire home his hat-trick.

Bridgwater made some attacking changes and the game was end-to-end for the final 15 minutes, but the home side held on to secure three points.

Town Reserves are home to Berrow next Saturday 3pm KO.