Somerset County League
Premier Division
Watchet Town 3, Nailsea & Tickenham 0

WATCHET responded well to the previous week’s defeat at Shirehampton by winning their top-of-the-table clash with Nailsea & Tickenham at the Memorial Ground last Saturday to leapfrog the league leaders.

In a full-blooded clash, the Red & Blacks gave an all-round performance packed with commitment in front of easily their largest crowd of the season.

The confident visiting outfit came out of the blocks quicker, but scoring chances were hard to come by at either end throughout the game.

A solid Watchet back line worked hard to protect keeper Adam Bishop, who in turn did not disappoint when called upon from aerial threats.

Nailsea’s former Bath City keeper Mellor had not been tested before having to fish the ball out of his net as the home side were put firmly in the driving seat midway through the half with two goals in 10 minutes.

A long throw from Jamie Milton found Charley Clausen rising at the near post to flick the ball on, and Jason Worth nipped in to outjump Mellor and nod over him into the net.

Nailsea seemed rattled, and a quality strike soon afterwards doubled Watchet’s lead.

Mikey Bailey slipped a pass out on the right inside to Aaron Deeks, and the seasoned goalscorer took one touch before unleashing an angled left foot drive into the far top corner.

It was a mystery how Nailsea failed to cut the deficit five minutes into the second half in an almighty scramble in the home six-yard box where Watchet players were throwing themselves in the way when a goal seemed inevitable.

Bishop was forced into one superb reflex save, but with a two-goal cushion the Red & Blacks demonstrated the necessary desire as a team to keep their opponents at bay before administering the ultimate killer blow with a third goal with just over a quarter of an hour remaining.

Chris Sully exchanged passes with Tom Sparks near halfway before bursting clear on the left to deliver an instant weighted pass into the path of Deeks, who was felled from behind just inside the area.

Milton stepped up to thump the ball crisply into the corner, well out of captain Mellor’s reach, sealing a great win.

Watchet: A Bishop, R Strong, M Heywood, J Milton, B Robinson, M Bailey, J Worth, C Sully, C Clausen, A Deeks, T Sparks. Used subs: A Clausen, C Jeromson, E Harding.

Watchet are without a game this weekend, but on Saturday, March 25 they entertain Middlezoy (ko 3pm).

The Red & Blacks are extending an invitation to their Sponsors Day to all past players from 2pm till late, to come along, share some old memories and support the club.