THERE were encouraging signs from this newly-assembled St Austell side as they went toe-to-toe with one of the teams tipped for promotion.

Twice the Lillywhites hit back from conceding goals before succumbing late on to extend their losing start to the league season to five games.

Lewie Rendle and George Bills were on the scoresheet for St Austell.

Manager Adam Castlehouse said: “I’m disappointed with the loss, I don’t think we deserved to lose, to be honest.

“We kept them quiet for large periods, but unfortunately our mistakes were punished.

“The lads acquitted themselves brilliantly and I am so pleased for them. Yes, it’s another loss, yes it’s four more goals conceded but I cannot fault their efforts on Saturday.”

It took Bridgwater only five minutes to open their account with Lloyd Mills heading in a right wing cross but St Austell were level within three minutes as Rendle curled in a superb free-kick from 20 yards.

Freddie King restored the home side’s lead in the 25th minute and for the remainder of the half they created several half chances without more goals to illustrate their dominance.

But the Lillywhites opened the second half brightly and they were rewarded with a 57th minute equaliser from George Bills, who struck a fierce shot from 20 yards which gave the Bridgwater keeper no chance.

It was anybody’s game with an hour played but Bridgwater stepped up a couple of gears and were 4-2 up by the 66th minute with goals from Mills (62) and King to seal the points.

ST AUSTELL: Steve France, Sonny Cooper, Lewie Rendle, James Baker (capt), Tyler Pickering, Billy Coton, Owen Mills, Cody Jones, Kyle Hutchings, Sam Lang, George Mills. Subs: Billy Eccles, Jack Clarke, Matthew Pilkington, Jayden Crocker, Daniel Slaney.