Somerset County Division Two West

Taunton United 2, Highbridge Town 1

HIGHBRIDGE Town manager Matt Pitt lamented his side’s ill-discipline as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Taunton United on Saturday.

Mike Green drew Town level on the half-hour mark, but Ryan Elliott’s first-half sending off ensured the visitors would be right up against it for the rest of the afternoon.

United found a winner on 80 minutes courtesy of a long-range effort – but Pitt was equally disappointed with his side’s defending in the lead up to the goal.

He said: “Ill-discipline and poor attitude have cost us the game – going down to ten men that early is always going to be an uphill battle, but even then I felt confident we could win as they were nowhere near the level of teams we have beaten recently.

“We did not look in any danger with the ten men as the guys at the back stood tall and didn’t put a foot wrong, so it’s very hard to take this defeat.

“We will have to chalk this one off and go again when we welcome second placed Combe St Nicholas to the REC on Saturday and we will have to be much better than we were Saturday, otherwise we will get put to the sword.

“I really hope this is a wakeup call to the boys and we kick-on again Saturday and go back to what we are capable of and I am completely confidant we will get a result on Saturday if that is the case.”

Town got out the blocks very slowly and struggled to press an advantage against a strong gusty wind – and deservedly found themselves one goal down after not dealing with a cross into the box.

Things got worse for Town on 25 minutes when influential midfielder Will Bailey took a kick to the head and sliced his forehead open.

Then disaster struck when captain Ryan Elliott, who had already been booked earlier in the game, saw a second yellow for a needless foul.

Town went in level at half time after Kane Powell’s cross bounced kindly to Green to force home.

With ten minutes left, the Taunton full back brought the ball forward from the half-way line unchallenged and hit a screamer from 25 yards to beat ‘keeper Steve Bailey.

Town went in search of an equaliser but it was not to be.

Highbridge welcome second-placed Combe St Nicholas to the REC on Saturday.

Team: S Bailey, Redstone, T Bailey, S Green, Hampson, Elliott, Hirons, Powell, W Bailey, Taylor, M Green. Subs: Scott & Weston.