Bridgwater United 2 Keynsham Town 0

Anybody hoping for a goal jamboree, similar to what happened at Keynsham in August, may have been disappointed by what was a much closer game. The visitors showed that they have progressed steadily since that fateful day, although they still occupy a precarious position near the foot of the table.

For the first 20 minutes you could have been forgiven for thinking that United were the league strugglers. As the visitors pinged the ball around with confidence and precision, United could barely get a touch of the ball. It changed once the first goal went in, after which United were dominant in the main. For all their attractive build up, the visitors were ineffective when the ball approached the United penalty area and you could see why they have only won 4 times. Frequently they shot high, wide and ugly from long range rather than try to engineer some chances from inside the penalty area.

After no goalmouth action for 20 minutes, the game clicked into a different gear. After Niall Lovelock lost possession, Morgan Williams cut the ball across from the right. United’s two strikers seemed to get in the way of each other and the chance went . Then Dave Thorne’s cross to the far post was headed wide by an off balance Jake Brown. This was better.

Keynsham delivered a warning when Jemar Thomas broke free and entered the penalty box. He elected to shoot rather than pass ( a poor choice) and Jake Viney gobbled up the ball.

After 29 minutes United took the lead. The superb Jake Llewellyn delivered a tempting free kick towards the near post. Jacob Spence hurled himself  horizontally at the ball and his typically powerful header flew into the net. Great goal.

United now fancied it. Jack Thorne got the better of Kyle Anderson and , with minimal back lift, he slammed a shot just over the bar. Morgan Williams was another top performer and he released Jack Thorne. He outstripped the defence but seemed a bit uncertain as Joel Manning came out to confront him.  The big keeper blocked the effort.

Just before half time Keynsham had their best chance. The impressive Henry Sady met a left wing cross with a header which Viney reached and held.

Half Time – Bridgwater United 1 Keynsham Town 0

In the first half Viney had received prolonged treatment after being caught by a stray boot and he looked uncomfortable for the rest of the game. In spite of that, he sent a long clearance deep into the Keynsham half. Jack Thorne judged the bouncing ball better than Anderson and he rolled the ball under Manning as the keeper came out. His first goal for the club at home. This goal was after 48 minutes.

Jack Thorne was playing an increasingly significant role in the game and his back heel gave Mark Armstrong a sight of goal. Unbalanced, he slashed the ball wide.

Keynsham weren’t quite spent just yet. When Will Sage miscued a volley the ball spun up in the air but came right back to him. Second time he hit it cleanly and Viney was extended in pushing the shot away.

There was just one more outstanding moment in the game. Another intelligent Jake Llewellyn free kick was met by the head of Armstrong. Manning did very well to stretch to his right to save.

The last 15 minutes wasn’t something to treasure as there was little football played and somehow or other United managed to acquire another batch of yellow cards. Some deserved but some utterly mystifying.

This was deemed to be Non League Day and there were 394 spectators  to witness this game. It wasn’t high on quality but Dave Pearse will be happy with 3 points to mark his 250^th game as manager.

Match Details:

Bridgwater United : Viney, D. Thorne, J. Llewellyn, Armstrong, Spence, Edwards, Williams ( King 82), T.Llewellyn ( Towler 76), J Thorne (Smith 82), Brown ( Mabia 71), Hartley ( Taylor 60).

Keynsham Town : Manning, Wilson, Lovelock, Njonjo, Anderson, Allan, Adebo, Sage, Thomas, Sady, Lewis. Subs. Nanoh, Smith, Frazer, Brock, David.

Competition: Toolstation Western League Premier

Venue: Fairfax Park

Date: March 25^th 2023

Attendance: 394

Goals: Spence 29, J Thorne 48.

Referee: Mike Halford . Assistants: Leo Martin and Steve Redman.