BRIDGWATER Town manager Dave Pearse hailed his side’s response to a pair of damaging defeats, saying they resemble a “completely different team” to this time last week.

After a challenging week which saw their relegation confirmed by a 6-0 defeat at Mangotsfield and a 7-0 reverse at Salisbury, the Robins more than held their own in the 2-1 loss at home to Didcot on Saturday.

Reflecting on the result, Pearse said: “It was a bit of a game of two halves - we played well in the first half but they came back strongly and dominated the second period.

“We had a game plan and, to start with, the lads worked really hard at it and it paid off as we took the lead.

“Their experience and fitness showed through as the game went on, but we still had chances and we were frustrated to lose it through a soft goal to concede.”

Didcot’s equaliser came from a corner, which was part of a sustained aerial bombardment that helped the visitors get back in the game.

“They are a big side and we are not and, at this level, set pieces are important,” Pearse said. “On the whole, we dealt with them well, but they made the most of their setpieces in the end.”

The interim manager was also impressed with the performance of several of the players he has introduced to the side since taking the hotseat.

Referring to the youngsters, he said: “Will Sneddon-Coombes came back in and did really well, Josh Champion was very good at right-back again and Ashton Granter has thrived on being called up to the first team.

“He gave away the penalty early on but redeemed himself by saving it, and I’ve now got other reserve and youth team players knocking the door down.

“Compared to last Saturday at Mangotsfield we just look like a completely different team, and the response has been excellent.

“I think it is a combination of the pressure being off and looking ahead to next year, as they are trying to prove they are worthy of a place in the team.”

Pearse has not yet played himself in the two matches he has taken charge of, but is now beginning to take to his new role.

“It was a tough start at Salisbury, but I really enjoyed Saturday - I did want to get on and play but I thought it was right to give others the opportunity.

“It’s a good experience for me and one I’m looking to make the most of.”