WATCHET Town’s enforced lay-off the previous weekend appeared to have done them few favours last Saturday when they went down by 3 goals to nil at home to high-flying Ashton & Backwell United in the Premier Division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League.

The Red & Blacks were unable to continue their recent improved showings and were comfortably beaten by their high- riding opponents.

The confident visitors attacked from the outset as they allowed Watchet no time to settle. Andy Hall worked hard in midfield to repel Ashton’s threat after full back Josh Aspey went off with a groin injury inside five minutes.

The visitors missed a host of chances with some wasteful finishing and Watchet somehow survived a scramble almost on their goalline.The referee then awarded Ashton a penalty for a pushing offence at a corner but Jack Harding dived to beat out the spot kick and then took off to tip the follow up attempt over the top.

In time added on the visitors finally took the lead from another flag kick with Watchet this time claiming a foul in vain. The kick off saw Charley Clausen’s speculative shot forcing the keeper into action at the expense of a corner.

Ashton remained on top in the second half as Watchet made little headway. They didn’t have as many chances, however, until increasing their advantage midway through with a second goal. A mixup from a corner then saw Lewis Rogers put the ball over his own goalline and with the home side tiring the only surprise was that the final margin wasn’t greater.

Watchet Town: Jack Harding, Ollie Webber, Mikey Williams, Eben Harding, Nigel Bremner, Josh Aspey, Andy Hall, Connor Jeromson, Todd Willis, Charley Clausen, Billy Jones. Used subs: Lewis Rogers & Aerron Clausen. Watchet are at home again this coming weekend when Stockwood Wanderers visit the Memorial Ground (ko 2pm. ).