Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Shortwood United 2, Bridgwater Town 4

FOUR different Bridgwater Town players got on the scoresheet as the Robins avoided a banana skin at bottom club Shortwood United.

The Robins were 4-0 up with 16 minutes to play only to ship two late on, but that could not take too much shine off a result which keeps Town top of the table.

Bridgwater started on top against a home side still yet to earn a point so far this season, and came close to opening the scoring on seven minutes when Jake Llewellyn's 25-yard volley crashed back off the crossbar.

The visitors did not have to wait too long for an opening, however, as Harry Horton tapped home a long throw at the back post to hand Town a 26th-minute advantage.

It was a lead they held until half-time and then added to in quick succession after the break, as Tom Ellis headed home a corner before Ian Bellinger converted Kurt Robinson's cross to put Town three up on 54 minutes.

Robinson then had to be alert at the other end, clearing a Shortwood effort off the line, and the hosts then hit the post as they looked for a way back into the match.

Two substitutes combined to make the points safe on 74 minutes, however, as substitute Patrick O'Halloran slotted home after latching on to Liam Winter's pass. 

Bridgwater were then punished for a couple of late lapses in concentration as the hosts pulled two goals back, but the result was never in doubt and Horton was inches away from adding a fifth when his effort in added time hit the post.

Next up for the Robins is a trip to Clevedon Town in the Somerset FA Premier Cup on Wednesday night.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne, Kurt Robinson, Harry Horton, Lee Begg, Tom Ellis, Ian Bellinger (Liam Winter 70), Sam Towler (Mark Armstrong 60), Jack Taylor, Jake Brown, Jake Llewellyn (Patrick O'Halloran 67)