Bridgwater United 1 Weston Super Mare 0

Goals have been in short supply in recent home games but a late strike from Conor Hartley was all that was needed to send the Robins into the semi-final of the Somerset Premier Cup.

Looked at from a distance, this may have looked like a cup shock with the Seagulls playing at two levels higher than United. However, they did send a young, inexperienced side to contest this fixture. To balance this out, United also fielded (because of circumstances) a young team of their own. It turned out to be a very encouraging game for the club, not just because of the result, but also because new talent unearthed.

The pitch was in great condition considering the travails of winter and it helped to set up what was a fast paced and open game. Over the 90 minutes United had more possession of the ball and more goalscoring chances. The game should have been won before Hartley’s goal but the finishing often lacked conviction. From fewer opportunities, Weston contrived a few strong, scoring situations of their own.

We saw full debuts for Frenchman Allen Mabia and Flynn Smith. Mabia played generally behind the front men but linked up with them neatly at times. He has pace, he has energy and Western League defences will find him a handful.Smith had a cracking debut at right back. He looked a natural in that position and seemed mature beyond his years.

Throughout the game United won at least 10 corner kicks and it was a surprise that none of these were turned into goals. Early on Jordan Greenwood headed one down into the six yard box but it was blocked and cleared. Sam Hedges had an early chance when Ollie Hebbard’s long range shot squirmed out to him but he lashed over from the left side of the penalty area.

Weston came into it with Oscar Collins shooting a yard wide and then, at the mid point of the first half, Prince Henry slipped the ball past Jake Viney ,into the net, but from an offside position.

The front three of Hartley, Hebbard and Jack Thorne were buzzing around industriously and Hartley created a chance for Hebbard ,which he scuffed , when in a good position. Thorne was especially impressive. We saw more of his all round game – shielding the ball, neat touches, good footwork, spraying the ball around. He is an excellent signing.

Just before half time Ross Edwards won an aerial battle from a free kick and from very close in Hedges slammed the ball goalwards. Jacob Sheridan did well to stop it and cling on.

The second half commenced in similar fashion with United making the running but with Weston having sporadic attacks. A great bit of skill from Hebbard bamboozled his marker and his cross found Hartley at the far post but he couldn’t make a good connection. Five minutes later, Thorne won the ball off Nathaniel Williams on the right and his cross picked out Hartley at the far post. A goal looked certain but a smart defensive block put an end to that.United had the ball in the net after 65 minutes, a power strike from Edwards, but the referee blew for a foul on the keeper.

At this point you wondered if United might have to pay for wasting chances. Pretty much out of the blue, Callum Black burst from midfield and thumped a formidable shot towards goal from the angle of the penalty area. Viney touched the shot onto the underside of the crossbar and then readjusted to fall upon Henry’s attempt to convert from the rebound. Tremendous from Viney, has United’s keeper ever been in better form?

There was a moment of cheer with about 15 minutes to go when Morgan Williams had his first taste of action , after missing several months of the season. A fit Williams could be a major asset for the rest of the season. Typically, he was straight back into the fray.

The long overdue goal was scored after 81 minutes. Hebbard was again the supplier with more skill and then a whipped cross from the left. At the third time of asking Hartley shot beneath the keeper after winning the chase for the loose ball.

Thorne fired one over and there was late hope for the visitors but Liam Graham screwed his shot wide from a good situation.

Match details:

Bridgwater United: Viney, F Smith, Edwards, Hedges, Greenwood, King (Williams 75), Hartley (Baggaley 84), T Llewellyn, J Thorne, Mabia, Hebbard (Parsons 82). Unused D Thorne

Weston Super Mare : Sheridan, Eyles, Williams, Thomas, Singfield, Pegler, Murray, Black, Henry, Maspero, Collins. Subs King, Graham, Dean, Neal, Skidmore.

Date : February 15^th 2023

Venue: Fairfax Park

Competition: Somerset Premier Cup Quarter Final

Attendance:321

Officials : Referee: Kevin Slade: Assistants:Rich Salvage, Tobias Franklin.