Clevedon Town 0
Bridgwater United 3
United travelled for a second successive Friday night, to face another ‘under the lights’ encounter and another unbeaten side, this time, near neighbours, Clevedon Town. Since returning to the Toolstation Western league back in season 2017-18, results at the Everyone Active Stadium had been disappointing; five defeats and a draw.
This one was different; very different!
The Robins were quickly on the front foot as their high tempo start soon had their hosts backpedalling. Former ‘Seasider’ Jay Murray was heavily involved in the early stages as a half chance from a corner was headed over. Within minutes, after good work by Jack Thorne, it was Murray’s strike that hit the side netting.
Clevedon were now defending with some desperation as United continued to dominate both territory and possession and picked up two bookings inside the first fifteen minutes. The pressure created by United was evidenced by the home side being forced to resort to long balls rather than their usual fluent passing game. However, on 20 minutes Alex Camm picked up a long clearance but his effort from the edge of the area was comfortably handled by Jake Viney, who, to that point, had been a spectator.
More pressure from United saw Sam Towler rise highest in the box only to see his well-directed effort tipped over by James Dunn. Within minutes, another United attack saw Murray brought down in the area by Glen Hayer. Murray quickly stepped up to convert from the spot to give his side a well-deserved lead on 27 minutes.
United were now relentless, pushing forward at every opportunity with several half chances created from crosses fizzing across goal. With the interval approaching, Viney was brought into his first serious action of the game as he was down well to repel a sharp Freddie King effort which Alex Camm somehow contrived to smash over the bar from inside the 6-yard box. A real let off!
With the interval approaching, Dave Thorne, clearly relishing his return to the starting lineup, broke clear down the right to deliver a perfect cross only to see Murray’s attempt to double the lead sliced wide.
Half Time: Clevedon Town 0 United 1
United again started the half positively with Dunn saving Harry Horton’s effort relatively comfortably. Multiple changes by both sides around the hour mark did nothing the quell the visitors’ dominance. Jake Llewellyn’s drive forward caused problems for former Robin, Syd Camper who scrambled the ball wide as Jack Taylor closed in.
A second United goal now seemed inevitable, and, on 70 minutes, it duly arrived as Murray’s cross from the left was converted by Jake Quick at the far post.
The Robins continued to dominate proceedings as they searched for their third to seal the win. It looked to have arrived when Camper brought down Taylor in the box. The striker quickly had the ball on the spot only to see Dunn guess correctly to make an outstanding save to his left.
There was still time for more, as two substitutes combined to seal the win. Josh Phillips delivered a superb cross onto the head of Adam Wright to secure his 8th goal of the season and to ensure his side progressed to the next round to face Division One leaders Portishead Town.
By all measures, this was another excellent performance by United who continue their run of away games with a trip to face the Bluebirds of Ilfracombe Town on Saturday 30th September.
Match details:
Bridgwater United
Jake Viney, Jake Llewellyn (Capt), Ross Edwards, Jason Quick, Dave Thorne (George King 62): Morgan Williams, Harry Horton (Mark Armstong 81) Tom Llewellyn (Adam Wright 71), Sam Towler (Josh Phillips 62), Jack Thorne (Jack Taylor 62), Jay Murray.
Clevedon Town
James Dunn, Elliot Nicholson (Sam Iles 79). Syd Camper (C), Callum Kingdon, Glen Hayer (Sam Beresford 46), Caleb Selway, Henry Westlake (Brad Probert 65), Alex Camm (Sol Kent 67), Owen Punselie (Ethan Crossley 76), Joe Teale, Freddie King
.
Date: 22nd September 2023
Competition: Toolstation Western League: Les Phillips Cup – Preliminary Round
Venue: Everyone Active Stadium
Attendance: 301
Report: by Bob Buckingham
