MATCH REPORT
Bridgwater started the match brightly, dominating early possession and probing the Cullompton defence. However, it became clear early on that Lee Lashenko’s men would not be able to play the fluid passing style they had spent most of pre-season working on, as the pitch was not up to scratch. Despite this, the first clear chance fell in the 17th minute when Owen Humphries fired narrowly wide from distance. Jack Taylor was next to threaten, heading over in the 24th minute, before Sam Beresford saw his effort sail just over the bar three minutes later.
The Robins’ best opportunity of the half came in the 33rd minute when Tucker and Humphries combined well to release Taylor over the top. His shot struck the post and was eventually gathered by the Cully goalkeeper.
Despite the promising signs, Bridgwater couldn’t convert their chances, and the score remained goalless at the break. The opening 45 minutes also saw Bridgwater’s new-look side begin to gel, with plenty of positive movement but a need for sharper execution in the final third.
HT: 0-0
The second half saw the visitors step up the intensity, especially after Cullompton were reduced to ten men in the 51st minute following a red card for their number 15.
Manager Lee Lashenko responded with a series of substitutions, aiming to inject more energy and creativity into the side. Finn Hodge and Ben John came on in the 57th minute, followed by Haydan Chambers and Joe Teall just after the hour mark.
Bridgwater thought they had taken the lead in the 64th minute when Beresford found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, just a few moments later in the 69th minute, Haydan Chambers made a decisive impact. The substitute capitalised on a loose ball in the area and coolly slotted home to break the deadlock.
The Robins remained in control as the match wore on. In the 81st minute, Chambers almost doubled his tally with a shot that sailed just over the bar. Two minutes later, the result was sealed. Chambers turned provider this time, threading a precise through-ball to Sam Beresford, who made no mistake in front of goal, slamming the ball into an open net to make it 2–0.
It was a confident second-half performance from Bridgwater United, who showed promising signs as their new-look squad begins to take shape. Chambers and Beresford were standout performers, both getting on the scoresheet and causing problems throughout their time on the pitch.
While it was only a friendly, the result and performance will give Bridgwater fans plenty of optimism heading into the season. The team is still finding rhythm, but the second-half display highlighted the depth and attacking threat available to Lashenko this year.
