WATCHET turned the tables on neighbours Bishops Lydeard on Tuesd2ay evening when they won the return fixture at the Memorial Ground 2-0.

If Lydeard deserved to win the first encounter a week earlier, Watchet were certainly worthy winners this otime as they inflicted only a second league defeat of the season on their opponents.

In an entertaining derby, the two young sides traded blows in the early stages with Watchet having the greater goal threat.

Full back Eben Harding twice advanced to try his luck without troubling the keeper, before Charley Clausen’s long-range effort forced a full-length save at the expense of a corner.

A sweeping home move involving Ben Robinson and Charley Clausen led to Chris Sully’s through ball sending Aaron Deeks away down the middle, but he was forced wider than he would have liked as he attempted to round keeper Whatley and his shot was off target.

Harding then dragged another effort wide after sidestepping his way into the area as the Red and Blacks began to turn the screw, but the scoresheet remained blank at the interval.

Watchet continued to show plenty of desire after the break and with the usually lively visiting raiders kept relatively quiet they gradually began to get on top.

Clearcut chances were still hard to come by, but the home side were rewarded for their efforts as the game moved into the last quarter.

Brandon Walsh won a tussle for possession on the right flank to make space for a pinpoint cross which invited a header, and Connor Jeromson arrived unmarked on the six-yard line to supply the finish it deserved, nodding wide of the keeper into the corner of the net.

Lydeard tried to muster a response, but Watchet kept their shape and resolve, and apart from a few corners to deal with keeper Adam Bishop was not seriously tested.

A second goal was needed, and it arrived when the commanding Matt Heywood won another challenge and delivered a long ball forward which found Deeks, who forged his way past the last defender and slipped the ball under the advancing Whatley before making absolutely sure that it ended up in the net.

The visitors fired a couple of drives not far off target, but Watchet were in no mood to let things go in an impressive team performance which puts a slight dent in Lydeard’s title hopes.

Watchet: A Bishop, B Robinson, M Heywood, J Milton, E Harding, C Sully, B Walsh, C Jeromson, C Clausen, A Deeks, A Clausen, subs Z Ryder, B Jones (both used), C Knight.

l Watchet finish their home programme with four more games at the Memorial Ground in eight days beginning with Chilcompton Sports tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 3pm.

Then come Berrow on Tuesday and Wrington Redhill on Thursday (both 6.30pm) and finally Clutton next Saturday (April 30).