WATCHET Town missed out on a chance of closing the gap on leaders Staplegrove when they lost 3-2 at home to Ashton & Backwell United in Division One of the Uhlsport Somerset County League yesterday.

Ashton won with a disputed penalty minutes from the end after Watchet had been on level terms through goals by Aaron Deeks and Eben Harding.

Despite losing their fourth league game of the season, Watchet remain fifth in the table, seven points behind the Grove with two matches in hand.

Ashton moved above Watchet after beating the seasiders.

Meanwhile Minehead were due to play away to Peasedown Miners Welfare - also in the first division - but the game was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Despite not playing, Grove stay top of the table, a point ahead of Saltford.