Somerset County Division 2W

Highbridge Town 4, Nailsea Town Reserves 1

HIGHBRIDGE Town assistant manager Jeff Bailey praised “another solid display” from his side as they cruised to victory over league strugglers Nailsea Town Reserves on Saturday.

Goals from Mike Green, Chris Taylor, Kane Powell and Will Bailey sealed the points for Town – and Bailey commended the goal-scoring ability of his players.

He said: “It was another solid display from a confident Highbridge team and it was pleasing to see the goals were shared around again.

“At the halfway stage of the season, we have five players close to, or over, the 10-goal mark for the season and we look capable of mounting a real serious push for promotion. Credit should also be given to Craig Holley who had a fine game in goal and was only beaten by a well-taken penalty.”

The late withdrawal of Steve Bailey, Highbridge Town’s in-form keeper, led to a re-shuffle with centre back Craig Holley picking up the gloves.

The pitch was heavy in places and this slowed the ball up as Highbridge looked to impose their incisive passing style on a lively Nailsea team.

The opening goal came following a precise defence-splitting pass from Will Bailey to a perfectly-timed run from Mike Green, who calmly slotted past the on-rushing Nailsea keeper.

The second soon followed from a replica of the first with, this time, Ryan Elliott supplying the electric Chris Taylor to drill the ball into the Nailsea net. Kane Powell got the third with a fine left-foot drive from the edge of the penalty area following a fine build-up, taking the game to the half-time break.

The game was effectively over at half-time but credit to Nailsea Town who put up a good display in the second half and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty, which was cleanly despatched.

This inspired Highbridge to up their performance with Will Bailey restoring Highbridge’s three-goal advantage following a neat turn and finish with around 10 minutes to go.

l On Saturday, Highbridge visit Churchill Club 70.