BRIDGWATER Town Reserves will continue to compete in the Somerset County League next season after the club made a remarkable U-turn on their decision to scrap the side.

Just three weeks ago, the club announced they would be axing both its Reserve team and Ladies team at the end of the current season, in a move described as ‘essential to the survival of the club.’

But following ‘discussions with local businesses, sponsors and a new proposal from the college’, the reserve team will now be retained, with the running of the under 18s side being taken over by Bridgwater College.

A club statement said: “The club have announced the retention and the running of the reserve team in the Somerset County League.

Bridgwater College will run the under 18s in the South West Counties League on a Saturday and play at a different venue, to be announced.

“This follows long, confidential discussions with local businesses, sponsors and a new proposal from the college.”

Preston North End defender and former Bridgwater Town Reserves player Scott Laird hit out at the club’s initial decision to axe both the Reserve and Ladies team, describing it as ‘a travesty’.

Bridgwater Town Reserves are currently eighth in Somerset County Premier division.