Bridgwater Town's run of four-successive league wins which had lifted them away from the bottom of the table came to a shuddering halt as they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Thatcham on Saturday, writes Eddie Robinson.

Town got off to a bad start and went 1-0 down after only two minutes on the clock as Cook powered past two leaden-footed defenders and his close-range header squirmed past the diving Hutchings.

Bridgwater had an early chance after good play down the right which ended with Brimson going down too easily in the area.

Brimson was in action at the other end, clearing off the line before the rebound was struck against the bar.

Weak tackling was allowing Thatcham to make easy possession but when Thorne attempted to redress the balance he was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on the half-way line.

After Thatcham had wasted two free-kicks, Turner got his head to a long throw forcing the home goalkeeper Strudley to make his first save after 28 minutes.

Later, Wring and Pearse combined and Brimson followed with an ambitious attempt when the cross came in.

In the next attack Brimson got his shot away but without troubling Strudley in the Thatcham goal.

Thatcham wasted further chances but Bridgwater remained in the game at just one goal behind.

The home side doubled their advantage when on 51 minutes Melledews innocuous 35-yard strike found its way past Hutchings into the bottom corner.

Ten minutes later, Thatcham put the game beyond Bridgwater with their best move of the match as they tore the Town defence apart and Clarke's shot crashed past Hutchings.

Thatcham scored again when Brimson found himself trapped in defence and missed his attempted clearance to present Green with a gift.

Cornwall and Pearse's attempts to break Thatcham down were thwarted by sheer numbers at the back and despite substitutions Hamilton and Mawford giving some energy to Bridgwater they could not find a consolation goal.

Bridgwater: Hutchings, Robertson, Putcher, Turner (Best 36), Townley, Wring, Thorne, Lyons (Hamilton 66), Cornwall, Pearse, Brimson (Mawford 78).

Subs not used: Mercieca, Barnes