Bridgwater United 5 ( Horton 42, D.Thorne 52, J.Thorne 60, 72, Murray 77) Torpoint Athletic 0
BRILLIANT UNITED BLOW THE WINDMILLS AWAY
Toolstation Western League Premier Division
October 7th 2023
It took a little while for the goals to flow but after the first one went in it was “Goals Central” at blissfully warm Fairfax Park. Some of the goals were of the highest quality as well and this win allows United to climb one more league place. They now sit 2nd with a game in hand on leaders Falmouth.
Torpoint, known as the Windmills, were lying 6th themselves and probably had the intention of frustrating United with a packed defence and a very cautions approach. They probably thought they might squeeze out a draw. However, after going behind just before half time, the limitations of their approach were laid bare and United completely took over. They only threatened once to score. Just after half an hour Owen Haslam was put through but , off balance, he sliced wide. How often has the prolific Ryan Richards gone through an entire game without a shot at or anywhere near goal? So, although the goalscorers take the glory most of the time we must cheer the exceptional defending, foot and head perfect, of the back four. We must also praise the unrelenting activity, persistence and skill of the remorseless midfielders.
Jay Murray has been generating headlines since his move from Weston Super Mare and he seemed to have a roving role, he could play where he liked. Wherever he played, he was a threat. Early on his headed pass reached Jack Taylor but he mis-controlled the ball at the key moment. The indefatigable Harry Horton won the ball wide on the left and crossed to the unmarked Jack Thorne at the near post. He normally gobbles these up but his connection was perhaps too clean and the ball rose over the bar.
George King drove a foot wide after Horton had again won the ball in a 50/50 challenge and soon after that Murray’s pass to Jack Thorne led to a thumping shot very well saved by Ryan Rickard. Jason Quick shot smoothly from long range and Rickard regained the ball before Taylor could pounce.
The Robins were playing some some great stuff but without reward until Horton made a decisive intervention. Tom Llewellyn clipped a free kick into the heart of the penalty area. Torpoint failed to deal with it and, with United players queuing up, it was a formality for Horton to side foot in from few yards.
Half Time – United 1 Torpoint 0
The second half was entirely one sided. Looking full of confidence and impressively fit, the Robins played some of their finest football. Jay Murray’s goalbound shot came out to Dave Thorne and he hit a perfectly controlled and powerful rising drive across Rickard and into the top left corner of the net. A picture goal to remember.
Feeling confident of the win now, United really turned it on. Torpoint wilted. In a central position Jack Thorne exchanged passes with Murray, beat a defender and drove low past Rickard. United were so much quicker in thought and deed and Jack Thorne got another. On the left side of the goal he beat a defender and then nonchalantly rolled the ball across the goal and just inside the right post. Such a clever finish. Sassy. It was a good day for the Thornes!
There was more. A Tom Llewellyn corner kick was headed out to the edge of the penalty area and Murray struck it first time with his left foot and the venomous volley arrowed into the net before anyone could react. Classy.
United still wanted more and tormented Torpoint just wanted the final whistle. Tom Llewellyn blasted a foot wide and Adam Wright made space for a careful shot which seemed to acquire unexpected elevation and it grazed the crossbar – but on the wrong side.
The players must have loved playing this game. A complete team performance and it is hard to think of a better one. The goals are flying in but the back door looks nice and solid too. Pack the park on Friday night for the next instalment of this breathtaking season.
United – Viney, D.Thorne ( Phillips 73), J.Llewellyn, Quick, Edwards, Horton, King ( Towler 61), T Llewellyn, Taylor ( Wright 61), J Thorne , Murray. Unused Williams, Finch
Torpoint – Rickard, Richards, Hunt, Rundle, Hillson, Crawford, Hicks, Cairo, Rooney, Richards, Haslam. Subs Murray, Pope, Thomson, Lucas, Smith.
Report by Mark Hollidge
