IT WAS virtually game over after only six minutes at Poltair on Saturday as St Austell found themselves three goals down against an impressive Bridgwater side.

Finn Hodge opened the scoring in the third minute and before the Lillywhites had time to recover, Billy Tucker doubled the lead within a minute.

And when Owen Howe made it 3-0 after six minutes, St Austell were already on their way to another heavy defeat. Other first half Bridgwater goals followed from Hodge (23 minutes), Tucker (28) and Jack Llewellyn (39).

Bridgwater eased off in the second half and added only one more goal, when Hodge completed his hat-trick just after the hour.

St Austell manager Adam Castlehouse said: “It was another disappointing result, to match another very poor performance. That’s two very similar performances on the bounce now, which is concerning.

“Bridgwater did exactly what we thought they would, they started quickly and pressed high, but despite relaying this to the lads pre-match, they failed to execute the game plan.

“Credit to them, they clearly executed theirs and ran out deserved winners.

“On to the next one, though. We are looking forward to welcoming Dobwalls to Poltair Park on Wednesday night.”

Elsewhere in the division, Helston Athletic were beaten 3-1 at play-off rivals Barnstaple Town.

The Blues drew level on 74 minutes via George Marris’ 25-yard stunner, but Barum scored twice inside the final 10 minutes via Gabby Rogers’ header which hit the post before hitting goalkeeper Morgan Jones and going in.

Oscar Knight added a third on 87 minutes as Helston fell nine points adrift of fifth-placed Sidmouth Town.

ST AUSTELL: Josh Clark, Billy Coton, Lewie Rendle, Theo Roberts, Tyler Pickering, David Joseph, Alfie Middleton, George Davies, Jake Harris, Matt Pilkington, Bailey Bellis. Subs: James Francis, Jake White, Josh Geary, Sam Lang.