THERE were no excuses given for Bridgwater’s first half performance on Saturday against Cinderford Town from boss Rob Dray, who said he was proud of his growing team’s last 45 minutes.

Mistakes in the first half saw Town trailing behind, but rather than letting it get their spirits down, the team came out fighting before devastatingly watching a draw snatched from their hands after a late goal was refused by an off-side flag.

Dray said: “We were very poor in the first half. It was just one of those games were you have no explanation for it, it just happened.

“They were a big, experienced side with a big budget. We are a young side that has been thrown together and we will make mistakes, but will grow together.

“I’m proud of them and proud of what they have done over the last two months.

“I’ve said it before, but it’s a brutal league. If you make mistakes, you don’t get away with it.

“But they kept going and they deserved an equaliser.

“They made a mistake with the off-side call, but it all evens out in the end.”

On Tuesday, Town face Taunton away in the Red Insure Cup before travelling away on Saturday to play Sholing, who have climbed up the league.

Dray said: “It’s brilliant. They love playing big games like that. And I think people are taking us lightly at the moment, but to their peril, to be honest.

“We are still working hard, these boys’ characters and work rate has made me proud. We still have a long way to go but we will get there.”