BRIDGWATER Town open their Southern League Division One South & West campaign on Saturday with a clash against North Leigh at Fairfax Park.

The Robins have been rebuilding during the close season after a tough campaign last term that saw them lose 26 of their 42 league games and finish in 19th – 10 points and two places above the bottom two.

It was a season that yielded only nine wins and led to the departure of manager Paul West – with former boss Craig Laird returning to the club for a second spell in charge.

Laird previously managed the Robins between 2006-2010 and was minutes from leading them to promotion up to the Southern Premier before falling in extra-time in the play-off final against Cirencester in 2009/10.

He left the club that summer to take over at Weston-super-Mare and has also managed Yate Town since.

The Robins warmed up for Saturday’s league opener against North Leigh – who finished ninth in the division last season – by picking up a 2-1 win at Western League Premier outfit Bristol Manor Farm.

After a delayed kick-off due to heavy traffic on the M5, youngster Jake Horsey scored his second goal in two games after 22 minutes to put Bridgwater in front.

Then, after the home side had pulled themselves level on 62 minutes, Matt Connick bagged the winner 10 minutes from time – and a matter of seconds after coming on as a substitute.

Laird has also brought in a number of players over the summer, including defender and son, Jamie.

Other new signings include striker and ex-Bristol City youngster George Kellow, on loan from Weston super-Mare.