WATCHET TOWN 2 TIMSBURY ATHLETIC 1

WATCHET gained an important win on Saturday by beating fellow-strugglers Timsbury Athletic 2-1 in a close Uhlsport Somerset County League encounter at the Memorial Ground.

The Red & Blacks' first home league victory of the season brought them the three points which enabled them to leapfrog their opponents in the table as they climbed out of the bottom three.

There was little to choose between the two sides throughout with Alfie Lyons showing up well on Watchet's left in the early exchanges.

It was the home side who broke the deadlock when full back Josh Aspey got forward to deliver a cross from the right which found Billy Jones leaping to head out of the keeper's reach from near the penalty spot.

The lead was shortlived however as visiting striker Hancock - who caused Watchet problems all afternoon - supplied a perfectly-weighted pass for Frith to lift his volley over Vinnie Jones and just under the bar.

Connor Jeromson then missed inviting crosses from either flank before Timsbury were within inches of going in front just before the interval when Frith shot against the base of an upright when a goal seemed certain.

Timsbury began the second half in threatening fashion and it took a fine tip-over from keeper Jones and a defensive block to keep them at bay.

The visitors kept up the pressure and had further chances before a firm header smacked against the Watchet bar with Jones beaten.

They also had fierce claims for a penalty waved away before Billy Jones headed over the top at the other end.

Making a welcome return Mikey Bailey showed up well in the Red Blacks' midfield where debutant Olly Prescott also provided some neat touches.

With less than a quarter of an hour remaining the home side reclaimed the lead when substitute Alfie Cox broke free on the right to supply the ideal low cross for Jones to slide in and force the ball past the keeper from close range.

Timsbury mounted some late aerial pressure from corners in a generous amount of added time, but Watchet managed to hold on.

WATCHET: Adam Jones Josh Aspey Ali Harrison Eben Harding Jay Darrell Mikey Bailey Connor Jeromson Olly Prescott Harvey Henderson Billy Jones Alfie Cox. Subs: Aiden Buller Kieran Bailey Alfie Cox & Ryan Wilkinson (all used).

Watchet's A & P Farmer man of the match was Mikey Bailey.

The Red & Blacks continue their long sequence of home matches this Saturday when bottom of the table Uphill Castle visit the Memorial Ground (ko 3pm).

The Weston based side are one of four teams currently below Watchet in the division with only three points separating them.