BRIDGWATER Town exited the FA Cup at the first hurdle on Saturday, going down to a 3-2 defeat at Cheddar in the extra preliminary round.

The Robins' hosts play in the league below (the First Division of the Western League), but have made a fine start to the season and were ahead early on, as Stephen Pennington was left unmarked to head in a corner.

But it was 1-1 inside 10 minutes, as Bridgwater marksman Jack Taylor got his first of the new season.

Jake Llewellyn found Mark Armstrong, whose through ball set up Taylor to run in behind and equalise.

Tom Ellis saw a header cleared off the line, but on 28 minutes Cheddar were ahead again - Adam Jones chesting down a cross and finishing well.

The home side led 2-1 at the break, only for the Robins to level once more, just a minute into the second half.

Sam Towler's corner was met by Josh White's head, and the teams were all square.

Despite the wet conditions, the visitors continued to make chances, with Llewellyn hitting the post with a cross-shot and Taylor heading narrowly wide.

At the other end, Jake Viney made a fine double save from Jones, but he was powerless to stop the hosts scoring what would prove to be the winner on 73 minutes.

Another set-piece, this time a free-kick, was delivered in to the box, and although Viney saved the first effort, Danny Griffiths scrambled it home.

Substitute Ian Bellinger had the ball in the net late on, but the Bridgwater goal was chalked off for an offside flag, and a bad day was made worse when Jake Brown was sent off for an apparent second yellow.

The cup dream is over for another year, and so the Robins return to league action next Saturday (August 18), at home to Cadbury Heath.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne, Jake Llewellyn, Syd Camper, Josh White (Jake Brown 57), Tom Ellis, Sam Towler, Mark Armstrong, Jack Taylor, Dave Pearse (Ian Bellinger 81), Mike Duffy (Steve Holland 81).