A reduction in mileage of 254 compared to the previous week clearly suited a much-changed Robins as they bounced back strongly from their 5-1 reversal at high flying Mousehole. In increasingly damp and windy conditions the visitors were quickly in the ascendancy as Edwards, in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role, soon found space to test the ‘keeper from the edge of the box.

However, the home side responded strongly to create two good chances within minutes of each other. A quick throw in on the left created a one-on-one opportunity for the onrushing striker. His shot evaded Viney but Hedges was first to the ball and cleared off the line, much to the relief of the Bridgy supporters who, once again travelled in good numbers.

Next, a speedy break down the right saw the Ashton winger flash his sharp attempt across goal which missed the far post by inches.

After this flurry of early activity, Bridgy began to reassert their early prowess as they pushed forward forcing ‘The Stags’ into some desperate tackles. From one such foray, a free kick, around ten yards outside the box was conceded. After a few minutes delay for repairs to the net, up stepped Taylor to rifle the ball under the wall and in at the far post, to put his side ahead.

Encouraged by that success, The Robins were now on top but were somewhat fortunate when, from a corner, a header struck their post and was hacked clear. This let off saw the visitors push forward once more and they were rewarded as George King, again having a fine game, doubled the lead as his shot beat the unsighted ‘keeper to his left.

After a relative quiet start to the second period, Viney was brought into action as he saved well to his right from a fiercely stuck free kick and, shortly afterwards, did well to tip over a dangerous shot from the right.

Following Hiroli being replaced by Duffy and King by Armstrong, a top-quality cross from Tom Llewellyn was nonchalantly headed back across goal to make it three and secure a welcome and much deserved three points.

Match Details
Match: Ashton & Backwell United v Bridgwater United
Competition: Toolstation Western League
Date: Saturday 12th February 2022
Venue: Lancer Scott Stadium
Attendance: 194

Teams

Stags: Lewis Coombes, Tom Anthony, Regan Sollars, James White, Reece Hedges, Joe Bishop, Connor Hartley, Charlie Saunders, Kye Simpson, Sam Price, Henry Sady.

Subs: Tom Press, Mason Hardidge, Dylan Hibblethwaite, Alfie Cummings, Jack Sell.

United: Jake Viney, Jacob Spence, Harry Durant, Sam Hedges, Jordan Greenwood, Ross Edwards, George King, Tom Llewellyn, Adnan Hiroli, Jack Taylor, Cameron Gauci.

Subs: Nick Woodrow, Mike Duffy, Harry Durant, Sam Crumb, Dave Thorne, Mark Armstrong.

Match Officials
Referee: Paul Collier
Assistant Referee: Adam Boubrahmi
Assistant Referee: Kieran Tasker

Who’s next? United travel to Raleigh Grove this evening to face Sherborne Town in the Les Phillips Cup, 7.30pm.