Boxing Day football has a special place in the heart of the English game and we are delighted that 325 supporters turned out at Fairfax Park to support the lads. The game delivered on the festive occasion with drama, goals, and most importantly, a win!

Sidmouth Town arrived in second place in the table with seven points from their last three games. There was a slight change in the Bridgwater lineup, with recently signed Toby Lawrence making his debut and Haydan Chambers earning himself a start.

FIRST HALF

From the first whistle, it was clear both sides had come to play. The game produced end-to-end action keeping the Boxing Day crowd thoroughly entertained. Louis Smith was kept busy early on, dealing with a succession of corners and producing some sharp saves to keep Sidmouth at bay.

Twenty minutes in, Smith himself launched the ball upfield. It found its way to Owen Howe, who was brought down by a Sidmouth defender. The referee didn’t hesitate and dished out a red card. To compound Sidmouth’s misery, Dayle Grubb stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and whacked it into the net. It was a moment of real quality and a strike worthy of opening his account for Bridgwater United.

Towards the end of the first half, the referee was forced into action once more. Displeased with something said to him, he produced a second yellow card, and suddenly the visitors were down to nine men. What had started as a competitive encounter was rapidly becoming a mountain too steep to climb.

Bridgwater, sensing blood, made their numerical advantage count. Just before the half-time whistle, Harry Horton unleashed a great strike. Two men up, two goals up, and The Robins trooped off at the break knowing they were firmly in control.

HALF TIME: BRIDGWATER UNITED 2-0 SIDMOUTH TOWN

The game had started relatively evenly, with both teams creating opportunities in those opening exchanges. But there was no doubt that the man advantage, quickly doubled, had done Bridgwater enormous favours. Grubb and Horton had scored two excellent goals and as the teams headed down the tunnel, Bridgwater would have been confident there were more goals to come in the second period, opportunities to delight the festive crowd.

SECOND HALF

The second half began with Bridgwater in no mood to simply protect their lead. They came out with intent, carving out chance after chance as Sidmouth’s depleted ranks struggled to contain them.

Camilo was a particular handful on the left side, marauding down the flank with purpose and creating plenty of opportunities. Some efforts weren’t converted, others were well saved by the Sidmouth goalkeeper, who was keeping the scoreline modest.

It was substitute Billy Tucker who added the third. Demonstrating the kind of skillful turn we know he’s well capable of, Tucker produced a wicked finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Bridgwater continued to pour forward, wave after wave of attacks testing Sidmouth’s resolve. The visitors, to their credit, kept battling despite the impossible situation, but it was only a matter of time before the fourth arrived.

Liam Winter rounded off proceedings with a fine strike of his own, putting the seal on a thoroughly dominant Boxing Day display.

FULL TIME: BRIDGWATER UNITED 4-0 SIDMOUTH TOWN

We were delighted to welcome 325 of you to join us at Fairfax Park, and the lads produced a performance full of quality. Four fantastic goals, three important points, and a Boxing Day to remember.

While Sidmouth’s double dismissal undoubtedly shaped the game, Bridgwater showed the quality needed to capitalise fully on the advantage.

A big thank you to Andy Smith from ALS for sponsoring the game, your support is greatly appreciated.

To all the Robins fans, we wish you a very happy New Year. Enjoy the celebrations, and we’ll welcome you back to Fairfax Park on 3rd January at 3pm when we host Brislington.

#WeAreUnited

📸 provided by Colin Burnett – https://www.flickr.com/photos/196619592@N08/