Sholing stay just three points above the relegation places in the Southern League Division One South and West after a 3-0 defeat at Bridgwater tonight.

The defeat was hard to swallow for the Boatmen, who were the better side for large parts of the game but who were hit by sucker punches either side of the break Until then the FA Vase holders had dominated despite being a goal down to a well executed free-kick move finished clinically by Tom Knighton on 22 minutes.

But the game changed just before half-time as TJ Cuthbertson brought down the lively Knighton, and he netted from the spot.

Moments later speedy wide man Jude Nwackukwu was led off with a deep cut along his eye following a clash with home keeper Ben John and Sholing faced an uphill battle.

David O’Hare put the game to bed two minutes after the restart for Bridgy, which was harsh on the visitors who created chances but took none.

“We were the better side but when luck is against you there’s not much you can do,” was the assessment of joint boss Mick Marsh.

“We made a couple of errors but had maybe six good chances and had most of the play.”

Sholing started well, with Alex Baldochinno’s trickery almost prising open the home defence and Stuart Mott having a header well saved.

After Knighton’s opener they again dominated, with Barry Mason driving just over and Nwackukwu’s pace causing plenty of problems on the right.

The double blow was too much in the end, although Sam Wilson and Mason both tested John late on before Mott missed with another close range header.

Marsh added: “I can’t fault the work rate but it is another defeat and we have to regroup now for the game with Tiverton in the Trophy on Saturday.”