WATCHET'S name went into the second round of the Somerset Senior Cup courtesy of a 3-1 win over Third Division Tunley Athletic at the Memorial Ground on Saturday.

After a frustrating struggle, the Red and Blacks overcame the shock of falling behind to level the scores just before the interval and emerge as victors in the second half against gallant opponents.

A strong crossfield wind contributed to a scrappy encounter where Watchet's passing and movement were found wanting against a young Tunley outfit who understandably got as many bodies behind the ball as possible.

Although the home side enjoyed by far the lion's share of the possession, they lacked the urgency and penetration to make it count.

For all their territorial advantage, Watchet had only a few snapshots and half chances to show, with Robbie Hopkins usually involved, before being rocked by the visitors breaking out to snatch the lead as half-time approached.

There seemed little danger when a Tunley midfielder retained possession near the left touchline, but his incisive pass found Watchet's rearguard alarmingly lacking in numbers and although the recovery attempts of Steve Moore and Lawrence Monaghan drove their lone striker wider than he would have liked, he still finished with some aplomb.

Crucially, within five minutes Watchet were given the opportunity to restore equilibrium and settle some frayed edges when an infringement gave them a free kick 20 yards out.

Tunley's defensive wall always looked suspect and Steve Wild's unerring drive gave the visiting keeper little chance.

On the resumption Watchet improved slightly without ever looking likely to gain total supremacy.

The boost they needed came when Wild's hanging free kick saw Nick Criddle's head make sufficient contact as he outjumped the keeper to nudge the ball over the line and put the Red and Blacks 2-1 up.

The clinching goal fittingly came from Wild, whose control had shone through all afternoon, when a messy build up and questionable defending left him with just the keeper to beat, which he did with ease.

Instead of the floodgates opening, Watchet proceeded to squander chances and overdo their running with the ball to leave the visitors in with a sniff.

The village side were extremely unfortunate not to reduce the deficit when shoddy defending led to a delicately curled shot striking the face of the Watchet bar.

Another Tunley effort hit an upright, but they had already been penalised before Watchet were able to play out time in the closing stages.

Watchet: S Moore, R Hopkins, D Spence, M Clausen, P Dorrington, L Monaghan, N Criddle, P Raymond, S Perkins, S Wild, D Allen; subs, S Kenny, L Nunn, N Sully.

l Watchet revert to their league programme tomorrow when Saltford visit the Memorial Ground. The Red and Blacks have agreed to their visitors' request for an early kick-off (12 noon) due to the international match in the afternoon.