Jay Murray is going to be a “big part of what we want to do” at Bridgwater United says manager Dave Pearse.

Murray scored one and assisted another in the Robins' 3-0 win at Clevedon Town on the first round of the Les Phillips Cup last night (Friday.)

The former Seasider opened the scoring from the penalty spot, after he was fouled in the box by Glen Hayer, for his second goal in two games, following his arrival from Weston-super-Mare, before his low cross set up Jason Quick to score at the far post to double Bridgwater’s lead.

Substitute Adam Wright sealed the win late on with a header from fellow substitute’s Josh Phillips’ cross to secure a place in the second round and inflict Clevedon’s first defeat of the season.

And Pearse says Murray has a massive role to play for the Robins this season. 

“He’s a marquee signing for us and he's where we want to be, we want to push on for promotion to the next league he's going to give us the year to do that and push us on with his goals and his assists,” he said.

“He was outstanding again tonight. Lots of trickery, created lots of chances, he could have had four but we know he is going to be a big part of what we want to do.”

It was Bridgwater’s first  win in six games against Clevedon, dating back to 2020/21 season. 

And Pearse said he was pleased to get the win but felt it could have been more.

“In history we don't always have the best record against Clevedon, there's a lot of close relationships and with players and management, so to win the game was massive,” he added.

“We're trying to gain some momentum now after the FA Cup, with a few league wins. We won this competition the year before last so we want to go far in it again, but to come here and win 3-0, keep a clean sheet, if I'm honest, it could have been five or six, but delighted to go through.

“They are unbeaten this season (in the league), they had some good results. They haven't played teams at the bottom. We showed that we're strong, we got a lot of depth, people back from injuries. 

“Clevedon will take a lot of points off teams, they're well organised, good young, energetic but we're we're through and that's all matters.”