Calor League South & West

Swindon Supermarine 2, Bridgwater Town 0

BRIDGWATER Town conceded two goals in ten minutes either side on half-time to slump to a 2-0 defeat at play-off chasing Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, writes Eddie Robinson.

A Geraint Bater own goal on 42 minutes was followed up by Alex Ferguson's volley on 49, but the score line somewhat flattered the hosts.

Both sides had difficulty in controlling the lively ball throughout, as the recent heavy pitches gave way to a much firmer surface.

The teams were both guilty of pumping too many long balls, which were easily dealt with by the big central defenders.

One exception came after 18 minutes when a good interchange of passes between Page and Rendell set up Bater, whose shot from the edge of the area just cleared the angle of the post and bar.

Page and Faux both needed treatment when the victims of poor challenges, for which the transgressors were cautioned.

Just as the half looked like finishing goalless, Marine took the lead - Bridgwater failed to deal with a bouncing ball down the left and when the cross came in, the unlucky Bater slipped and succeeded only in putting the ball past his own 'keeper.

Rudge was unable to continue after the interval, allowing Thomas to resume his central defensive partnership with Allen.

Marine, one of the clubs chasing a play-off place, doubled their lead on 54 minutes when Ferguson volleyed home after Robertson had cleared the ball off of the line.

Only the intervention of the assistant's flag prevented a third goal, following a foul on 'keeper Alexander.

In the closing stages, Bridgwater looked to get back into the game and Pilling's 10-yard shot looked a certain goal but for a magnificent save from Worrell low down to his right.

In added time, Rendell, coming in from the left, struck the foot of the post from an acute angle - an action nthat summed up the visitor's afternoon.