BRIDGWATER United's pre-season friendlies continued at the weekend and despite earning a win, they were made to fight for it.

At home against Bristol Manor Farm, Bridgwater United won 4-3, however at one point they found themselves three goals behind.

A rotated squad took to the pitch in the first half and the visitors were straight on the front foot.

In the sixth minute, Manor Farm took the lead through a goal from winger Ponsillo.

The early shock didn't snap Bridgwater out of it though as in the 12th minute, Ford doubles the Farm’s lead with a header from a corner.

Bridgwater's first real chance didn't come until the 32nd minute after a well worked moved forced a save from the visitors keeper.

Despite that, Manor Farm went further in front in the 42nd minute when Benny Bament poked home from a couple yards out after a great header across the goalmouth by Ford.

At the half time break the score was 0-3 in favour of the travelling side.

A half time talk from manager Dave Pearse must have given the motivation required for Bridgwater.

As soon as the half time whistle went a different looking United side took to the pitch and within 20 minutes the scores were level once again.

The goals came in the 47th, 58th and 65th minutes and Bridgwater looked the more likely to win the match.

The dust settled as Manor Farm tried to weather the onrush of attacking chances from Bridgwater.

However in the 82nd minute the hosts did take the lead, for the first time in the match, and that would be the final score.

That is why you play friendlies; to learn how a group of players deal with tricky situations and this Bridgwater side showed true grit to fight back for a win.

In other news at the club, a number of first-team players have been retained for the upcoming season.

A spokesperson for the club said: "With 1,061 Bridgwater appearances between them Jack Taylor, Dave Thorne, Jake Llewellyn, Jake Viney & Club Captain Mark Armstrong will all be back for more in 23/24."

As well as those players, Jack Thorne, George King, Tom Llewellyn, Ross Edwards, Jacob Spence & Morgan Williams all remain at Fairfax Park.

The next friendly for the Robins is against Tavistock at Fairfax Park on Tuesday, July 11.