BRIDGWATER Town manager Rich Fey was left to rue two “soft goals” as his side were beaten 2-1 by Tiverton Town on Saturday.

Fey was pleased to see his side compete with their promotion-chasing opponents, but disappointed to squander a first-half lead.

He said: “We more than matched them with bare bones. First half we were excellent and deserved to be 1-0 up with a great solo effort by Daine (O'Connor).

“At half time we kept it the same and knew they were getting a rollicking so they would come out and have ago, so first 20 minutes in second half was important not to concede or give away silly free kicks - but unfortunately we did and two soft goals cost us again.

“We did have a problem that Mitchell Page and Tom Knighton were still ill - Pagey lasted 60 minutes and Tom came on but was clearly struggling.

With the reserves team down to bare 11 as well, there wasn't anyone I could use from them so we couldn't do much about it and had to use Ger Bater, who has a knee injury because Alex Faux was carried off.

“We have two home games again this week against two teams that are just outside play offs with big budgets and I'm hoping to get a fully fit squad, which would be nice against these sort of top teams, as I feel we are better than our league position but have had some really bad luck.

“The pleasing thing for me is the supporters, who have been with us all season, know we are good side and understand when we have everyone available we are a match for anyone in the league.”

The Robins host Shortwood United (Tuesday March 25) and Yate Town (Saturday March 29) this week.