Rovers progressed in the FA Youth Cup with an impressive performance in their first competitive game of the new season and will now entertain Larkhall Athletic in the next round in two weeks time; exactly seven days after the sides also meet at Winterfield Road, this time in the League.

The visitors made an early breakthrough when, on five minutes, they were awarded a free kick some 35 yards out on the left and Sam Stoppard’s left foot effort flew over Jack Taylor in the Bridgwater goal into the top far corner of the net.

The hosts enjoyed plenty of the possession in the remainder of the first half without ever troubling Freddie Haines in the Rovers’ goal.

After the break, the home side looked far more threatening, but it took an excellent curling shot from Ollie Hucker on 65 minutes to finally pierce the resolute Rovers defence.

It took the visitors just four minutes to restore their lead as a neat move through the centre ended with a short pass that sent Harvey Hadrill clear and he fired home from twelve yards.

Rovers gave themselves some breathing space with a slightly bizarre third goal on 75 minutes when Theo Avis’ shot was partially blocked, only to spin past the unfortunate Taylor and slowly creep across the line.

The victory was secured in the 83rd minute with a move down the left and when the ball was played back to Monty Burgess, his right-footed cross flew over everyone into the far top corner of the net.

Rovers: Freddie Haines, Stuart Chivers (Joe Stoppard, 80 minutes), Monte Burgess, Sam Stoppard, Nathan Maggs, Liam Sweeney (Zachary Mead, 76 minutes), Jordan Phillips, Dan Harrod, Harvey Hadrill, Alfie Dix (Jed Parfitt, 63 minutes), Theo Avis. Sub not used: Elliott Fitzgerald.

The youth team are home this Thursday, 15th September, playing their first Somerset Floodlit Youth League game of the season with Larkhall Athletic the visitors. Kick-off is at 7.30 p.m.

Next Thursday, 22nd September, Larkhall are again the visitors for the next round of the FA Youth Cup, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

Also on 22nd September is the club’s AGM at 7.30 p.m. in the Winterfield Suite. All members welcome.

The First team are without a game as their match at Hereford this Saturday has had to be rearranged as ‘The Bulls’ have an FA Cup match this weekend at Sutton Coldfield Town.

The Sunday XI, sporting their new kit sponsored by Barratt Homes went down 2–1 to Larkhall Sunday in their first Bath Sunday Premier League match of the season.