A MUCH CHANGED WatchetTown line-up did their chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier Division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League no harm at all when they beat fellow-strugglers Worle 3-1 at the Memorial Ground last Saturday.

An early double from teenager Riley Willis set the Red & Blacks on the way to a three-goal interval lead and three invaluable points despite the visitors pulling one back.

There were less than two minutes on the clock when a free kick swung in from the right flank by Willis eluded everyone as it floated into the far corner of the net to give Watchet the ideal start.

Watchet keeper Vinnie Jones had to come out of his area to make a block which kept the hosts ahead, but Watchet were making good use of the flanks with both Olly Prescott and Alfie Cox having shots saved. The home goal had a charmed life when Worle made inroads from their left and looked certain to score in the scramble that followed before Jay Darrell cleared off the line.

Another free kick brought Watchet a second goal when Willis shot from 25 yards and a deflection off the defensive wall took the ball up and over the young visiting keeper and under the bar.

Worle thought they had cut the deficit from a free kick of their own only for a firm far post header to be ruled out for offside.

Watchet continued to look dangerous going forward and when Billy Jones took on his marker on the outside he produced a perfect angled left foot finish inside the far upright for a 3-0 cushion at the break.

Now going into a stiff breeze the Red & Blacks never carried the same attacking threat following the restart and Worle were on top for a spell. Keeper Jones tipped one effort over the bar and Watchet were indebted to the aerial dominance of Charley Clausen at the back, while Eben Harding used his positional sense and pace to good effect throughout.

The visitors were delivering some awkward inswinging corners which Watchet struggled to deal with and midway through the half they cut the arrears with a near post header.

Watchet then regained a measure of control without creating clear opportunities, but despite visibly tiring they battled hard all-round to hold on to what could turn out to be a decisive win.

Watchet Town: Vinnie Jones, Josh Aspey, Charley Clausen, Eben Harding, Jay Darrell, Brandon Walsh, Riley Willis, Eddie Townsend, Alfie Cox, Billy Jones, Olly Prescott. Subs: Ryan Wilkinson, Ryan Jones, Connor Jeromson, Ali Harrison & Chris Sully (all used). Watchet's A & P Farmer MOM was Charley Clausen.

Watchet’s victory enabled the Seasiders to go four points clear of the relegation zone which includes Worle, Timsbury United and Bishop Sutton.

Both Bishop Sutton and almost certainly Timsbury are down already, but Worle could still escape the drop if they won both their two remaining games later this month - against Timsbury and Nailsea United.

Watchet end their season on Saturday, April 5, when they play away to Chard Town who are lying ninth in the table.

Watchet will be looking to avenge a 1-0 home defeat against the South Somerset outfit, a missed penalty proving costly. Watchet will definately avoid being relegated if they take all three points at Chard.