WATCHET Town’s return to action last Saturday failed to produce a shock as they were soundly beaten by 4 goals to nil by top of the table Nailsea United in the Premier Division of the Uhlsport Somerset County League.

After Alfie Cox had threatened in the opening minutes of the game Watchet battled hard all-round to make life difficult for their lofty opponents, though they were grateful to keeper Vinnie Jones for a block save in a one on one. Things began to go awry for the Red & Blacks when Charley Clausen was adjudged to have tripped a Nailsea forward and the visitors took the lead from the penalty spot.

Two lapses in concentration saw close range finishes send the home side in trailing 3-0 at the interval despite Cox seeing his shot come back out off an upright

Keeper Jones was forced to retire after taking a knock in first half stoppage time with Charley Clausen deputising between the sticks. His first action was a sprawling save from a dangerous low cross only for the loose ball to be driven home. He then produced a flying tip-over as Nailsea sought to emulate the 20 goals they had put past the Red & Blacks in their previous two encounters.

Watchet stuck to their task manfully to frustrate their visitors, who were also guilty of some wasteful shooting. Further injuries saw Watchet playing out the latter stages with 10 men after having to use both their substitutes, but they almost had the last word when it was Cox again who forced a save from Nailsea’s makeshift keeper.

Watchet Town: Vinnie Jones, Aerron Clausen, Nigel Bremner, Charley Clausen, Jay Darrell, Josh Aspey, Mikey Bailey, Seth Bunge, Aaron Scott, Alfie Cox, Billy Jones. Subs: Sam Harley & Braden Taylor (both used). Watchet’s A & P Farmer MoM was Alfie Cox.