A drizzle fell over Fairfax Park on Saturday afternoon as Bridgwater United welcomed Bradford Town for more Western Premier League action. Following Tuesday’s humbling cup exit at Street, this fixture represented an important opportunity for The Robins to restore pride and confidence.

FIRST HALF

The opening exchanges offered little in the way of excitement, with both teams struggling to impose themselves. It wasn’t until the 15-minute mark that the first meaningful opportunity materialised – the Bradford striker seeing his initial shot blocked before sending the rebound into the side netting.

Another quarter-hour passed before the next notable action, with Bradford threatening from a corner. Josh Ford produced a crucial block to deny a goal-bound header, before following up with an important clearance.

Five minutes later, Bradford nearly gifted Bridgwater an opener through a moment of calamitous defending. An overhit backpass skidded dangerously toward the Bradford goal on the slick surface, forcing their goalkeeper to scramble desperately to poke the ball out for a corner just before it crossed the line.

The most significant chance of the first period arrived in its closing stages. Once again, a blocked Bradford shot fell kindly for their striker, presenting a golden opportunity. Louis Smith reacted brilliantly, racing from his line to spread himself and save with the tip of his boot, deflecting the ball wide.

HALF TIME: BRIDGWATER UNITED 0-0 BRADFORD TOWN

The interval arrived with the scoreboard untroubled, an accurate reflection of a half that had offered little attacking quality. Bradford had shown some fluency in possession but lacked incision in the final third, while Bridgwater had struggled to create anything of note. The contest remained firmly in the balance, crying out for one side to step up and take control.

SECOND HALF

The improvement Bridgwater needed arrived just five minutes after the restart when they broke the deadlock through Jack ‘Wacko’ Taylor. Almost a carbon copy of his goal against Torpoint the previous weekend, Wacko’s tireless pressing forced a mistake from the Bradford goalkeeper who dwelled too long in possession. Wacko tackled and his challenge sent the ball rolling into the unguarded net.

Ten minutes later, Wacko nearly doubled his tally and Bridgwater’s advantage. Josh Ford played a good ball down the wing, which was collected by Finn Hodge, who was impressing at right-back. Hodge delivered a dangerous cross along the face of goal, with the Bradford keeper just managing to intervene before Wacko could apply the finishing touch.

As the match progressed, the game truly fizzled out. Bradford did threaten from another corner with a header that was glanced wide, but genuine chances remained at a premium as the game drifted toward its conclusion.

FULL TIME: BRIDGWATER UNITED 1-0 BRADFORD TOWN

When the final whistle sounded, a roar sounded from the Bridgwater fans.

Wacko’s post-match assessment that it was “not one for the neutrals” perhaps understated just how little attacking quality had been on display from either side. Both teams would reflect on a contest in which they rarely tested the opposition goalkeeper.

However, after Tuesday’s defeat, the priority for Bridgwater had been to respond with a solid performance and, most importantly, secure all three points. In that regard, mission accomplished. The return to keeping clean sheets was particularly welcome, and the back line and goalkeeper looked solid.

Wacko deservedly received the loudest applause at full time, and his winning goal and relentless energy earning him Man of the Match.

Thank you to all the supporters who came to back us.

Bridgwater return next against Street FC, looking for immediate revenge on Saturday, November 29th, with a 1:30pm kickoff.

#WeAreUnited

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