IN AN evenly-matched basement battle, Watchet Town lost out to goals late in each half when they entertained Stockwood Wanderers in the Premier Division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League to remain rooted at the bottom of the table.

The Red & Blacks started brightly with recent signing Pat Reed prominent and the returning Jamie Milton sent a 20-yard free kick thudding against the foot of a post.

Stockwood missed a great chance following a deflection before a Todd Willis pass led to a close range effort from Billy Jones being blocked in a goalmouth scramble. Another debutant Olly Hall had two attempts before Watchet were rocked in stoppage time by a bolt from the blue when a screamer from fully 35 yards out found the back of their net.

The Red & Blacks were never quite the same after this in the second half. They continued to work hard all round without carrying the same threat and were indebted to some fine saves from keeper Jack Harding to keep it at 1-0.

Some concerted pressure then saw Watchet have chances to level things up with another curler from Hall not troubling the keeper. Milton’s downward close range header from fellow centre back Eben Harding’s cross was held on the line before a volley from six yards went over the top.

Gaps at the back appeared with Watchet pushing more men forward and the visitors’ right back Perkins broke through on the right to make the points safe with an angled shot fiveminutes from time.

While Stockwood went home elated even the referee felt Watchet deserved something from the game.

Watchet Town: Jack Harding, Ollie Webber, Jamie Milton, Eben Harding, Jay Darrell, Andy Hall, Harvey Henderson, Pat Reed, Olly Hall, Todd Willis, Billy Jones. Used subs: Adam Jefferies & Connor Jeromson.