Bridgwater's seven-match winning streak ended by Hungerford Town

Hungerford Town 2, Bridgwater Town 0

BRIDGWATER'S brilliant run of seven successive league wins which had turned their season around came to an end on Saturday against table topping Hungerford.

After Joe McClennan had just failed to squeeze Simpson's long deep cross past keeper Henley, Hungerford immediately broke down the other end and Rees was too strong for his marker when prodding the loose ball past Luke Purnell to open the scoring on seven minutes.

Bridgwater replied with Graham Merceica's goal bound shot being blocked and from their first free kick after 23 minutes, Bradley Middleton headed over from Zayne Simpson's delivery.

Playing down the slope, Hungerford's direct style was causing problems for Bridgwater who were missing the height and strength on captain Chris McGrath.

A sustained attack had the Bridgwater defence at full stretch and when the ball was returned to the middle by Pugh and Hopper was on hand to cleverly flick the ball over the stranded Purnell to double the home sides lead after 26 minutes.

Bridgwater, unchanged from Tuesday's 3-0 win against Winchester City, were forced into replacing the limping Craig Veal with Stan Paxton after 33 minutes.

A buccaneering run by Phil Veal forced Bridgwater's only corner of the half after 35 minutes.

On a heavy pitch that witnessed the divisions only game the second half was a midfield slog.

McClennan and Ross MacNab who had proved too good to handle in recent weeks were well shackled by a resolute defence.

Bridgwater reshuffled their formation in the closing stages going three at the back but apart from a 30-yard volley from Mercieca that just eluded MacNab when it came back from the keeper, they didn't often threaten.

It was Purnell with a couple of smart saves who was the busier keeper as Bridgwater were unable to replicate their recent good form but credit Hungerford for a strong performance.

Team: Purnell, Legg, P Veal, Middleton, Simpson, McClennan, Mountford, Vance, Mercieca, C Veal (Paxton 33), MacNab Unused: Chambnerlain, Fitzpatrick