PERHAPS fittingly, two Bridgwater & Taunton College students scored the goals that decided the pre-season friendly match between the two towns which give the college its name.

Taunton Town had to work hard for victory against hosts Bridgwater Town - who play two divisions lower - but goals from Luke Manley and Noah Coppin handed the away side a 2-0 victory at Fairfax Park on Friday night.

Early opportunities came and went for the Peacocks, as Ben Adelsbury saw a free-kick and Ollie Chamberlain a curling effort saved by Bridgwater goalkeeper Jake Viney.

But on 13 minutes it was the hosts who came closest to scoring, as a shot was deflected into the side netting, and from the corner Mark Armstrong headed just wide.

The sides remained evenly matched until the 31st minute, when Dan Sullivan had an effort saved by Viney, but Manley was following up to put Taunton ahead.

Chamberlain and Sullivan had further shots which went wide of the goal, so it remained 1-0 at half-time.

Bridgwater made the better start to the second half, applying most of the pressure, but they could not find a way through as Steve Murray blazed over when well positioned.

At the other end, Sullivan shot narrowly wide and Matt Wright saw an acrobatic attempt fly over the top.

On 70 minutes Jack Taylor struck the post for the Robins - but the offside flag then went up - and at the other end Chamberlain was unfortunate to see another curling effort come back off the upright.

Taunton keeper James Sleaman-Keane made a good save to snuff out a Bridgwater counter-attack, and soon after - in the 81st minute - substitute Coppin got on the end of a fine Josh Grant delivery to make it 2-0.

That sealed the deal for Taunton, who are next in action at home to Cheltenham Town this coming Friday (July 19, ko 7.45pm).

As for Bridgwater they host Paulton Rovers this Tuesday (July 16, ko 7.45pm).

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne, Jamie Laird, Jake Horsey, Jake Llewellyn, Mark Armstrong (c) (Mike Duffy 46), Harry Horton (Ryan Burrows 46), Dave O'Hare, Sam Towler (Jake Brown 46), Steve Murray, Jack Taylor (Patrick O'Halloran 66).

Taunton Town: James Sleaman-Keane, Luke Manley, Lewis Hall (Jack Rice 63), Ben Adelsbury (Jamie Short 46), Ed Palmer (Josh Grant 46), Shane White, Ollie Chamberlain (Harry Gardner 82), Naby Diallo, Matt Wright (c), Dan Sullivan (Noah Coppin 71), Andrew Neal (Matt Neale 63).