WATCHET Town’s troubles from last season continued when they began the new campaign away to Clutton in the first division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League last Saturday.

A few last minute withdrawals followed by heavy traffic delays led to the Red & Blacks playing the first 25 minutes with only ten men and although numbers increased to 11 they had no subs and eventually ran out of steam to go down by 4 goals to 1.

Watchet acquitted themselves well in the opening stages with Ian Bason, Robbie Davies and later Henry Black making their debuts. Clutton enjoyed the greater share of possession but the visitors defended well with Josh Aspey prominent in an unaccustomed role and worked hard all round to protect keeper Regan Gallagher.

Having survived the early part unscathed Watchet fell behind before half-time when an underhit pass led to a cross which was met by a looping header which put Clutton one up.

Playing down the slope in the second half Watchet rocked their hosts by drawing level around the hour mark. After battling for the ball on the left Billy Jones cut in along the bye-line past defenders to shoot low inside the far post.

Watchet looked to be right back in the game for a spell but home side recovered to regain the lead with a header from a corner with Watchet claiming a foul in the 6-yard box.

It was soon 3-1 with the visitors for once caught short at the back and as they tired towards the end a soft looking goal made the final score 4-1 to Clutton.

Watchet Town: Regan Gallagher. Andy Pope. Josh Aspey. Ian Bason Zacc Binding. Karl Boswell. Billy Jones. Todd Willis. Henry Black. Robbie Davies. Chase Clausen. Watchet’s MOM was Billy Jones.

Watchet are without a match this weekend.