FORTUNE again deserted Bridgwater Town as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Wimborne Town on Saturday to stay bottom of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West.

Kurt Robinson hit the post in the very first minute as the Robins looked to take a surprise lead, and the visitors continued to match their opponents until half-time.

Two well-taken goals by Jamie Davidson and Toby Holmes in the second period, however, ensured that Town were again left without reward despite another promising display.

Reflecting on the result, manager Phil Hucker said: “We were beaten by a very well-organised and experienced outfit.

“Wimborne scored two excellent goals and probably deserved the win on the balance of play.

“It could have been a different story if Kurt’s effort had gone in early on - we had a few chances towards the end as well, but by that time the game had gone.”

In recent weeks it has been a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal that has held Town back, but Hucker remains impressed by the attacking qualities of his side.

“We are certainly looking more dangerous than when I came in,” he said.

“We are creating five or six good chances per game now, so it is just a matter of finishing them off.

“The back four have also been excellent - we have a young defence but they are improving with every game.”

Town’s young team have been thrown in at the deep end this season, a challenge that Hucker says they are grasping with both hands.

“It’s a great experience for them,” he said. “We had a good chat in the dressing room after the game and the players are still staying upbeat.

“They are enjoying the challenge of playing at this level and now that we’ve brought in a bit of experience (new arrivals Jake Llewellyn and Dave Pearse) that has helped us along.

“Having Jake at left-back and Kurt [Robinson] on the wing has provided us with good balance down that side.”

This Saturday, the Robins host new striker Dave Pearse’s former club Barnstaple Town (ko 3pm), who are currently 16th in the table.

Looking ahead to the clash, Hucker said: “It’s going to be another tough one, but they have had a mixed bag of results recently so we’ve got a chance.

“They are a good side, so we will apply ourselves as if we were playing Taunton or Tiverton.

“I haven’t spoken to Dave [Pearse] about them yet but we’ve had a look at them so we know a bit about how they play, and Dave’s knowledge will only benefit us in that regard.”