Imagine promotion to a higher, tougher league and then playing the first quarter of the season on your opponent’s grounds.

Portishead Town have dealt with that challenge impressively as work continues on their ground improvements.

A return of 7 wins, 2 draws and just 2 defeats from 11 games saw them go into Saturday’s match against Bridgwater United in 7th, only 4 points behind leaders Clevedon Town with a game in hand.

Finally, a ‘home’ league game on Saturday but with the new Bristol Road pitch not quite ready it was hosted at Hallen’s MB Frames Stadium.

Ultimately a successful afternoon but Posset had to fight for it against determined and disruptive opponents.

It was apparent from the off that Bridgwater wanted to stop Posset playing - closing down, breaking up play and aiming to hit on the break.

For the first 45 minutes, though on top territorially, Posset were largely prevented from getting their quick passing going or opening up the Bridgwater defence.

Efforts on goal were mostly from distance – both Mitch Osmond and Callum Eastwood hitting powerful efforts just off target.

It was Bridgwater taking the lead on 29 minutes.

A strong break down the left and cross into the box eventually broke to No.

9 Jack Taylor who drove home via a deflection.

Posset nearly levelled just 5 minutes later as an Osmond free kick clipped into the box ended with Benny Bament’s volley being tipped over by the Bridgwater keeper.

1-0 to the visitors at the break.

(Image: Darren Vowles) From the first whistle Posset took the second half by the scruff of the neck, going on to dominate.

The passing was crisper, the attacks quicker.

As early as the 49th minute the Bridgwater keeper was forced to two saves close in.

Then on 52 minutes Bridgwater made their task harder.

A nasty, studs-up challenge on Josh Honey saw Preston Hopwood rightly red carded and unfortunately left the full-back unable to continue.

Now it was essentially attack versus defence.

Sub Jack Harper provided width on the right as Posset went three at the back in search of the equaliser.

With Osmond driving Portishead forward they moved the ball quickly, probing for openings.

(Image: Darren Vowles) On 73 minutes Hamish Hurst made a determined drive forward, shrugged off a challenge then unleashed a great shot against the post.

Eastwood reacted quickest to slide the ball home.

Just two minutes later Ethan Feltham netted, following a Kyle Egan shot, only to see it ruled out for offside.

In time added on Portishead threw on young defender Jack Coates into the attack.

Almost immediately Coates showed good footwork in the box to draw a foul, earning a penalty.

Egan stepped up and confidently smashed the ball home for a very hard-earned 2-1 win.

A big result putting Posset 3rd in the table.