A second half double from leading scorer Jack Taylor gave the Robins a thoroughly deserved win at Bitton on Saturday afternoon.

It was the second victory on the road in three days for Dave Pearse’s side who came through the loss of two central defenders to injury inside half an hour to dominate the home side who showed little aptitude for a battle and had no answer to Bridgwater’s midfield dominance. Jacob Spence and Mark Armstrong returned to the squad with Mike Duffy also making a welcome start and on a difficult surface which had a tractor working on it 20 minutes before kick-off, United were soon on the offensive with Sam Crumb just wide with a half volley. The pre match plans were very soon put on the back burner as giant defender Sam Hedges succumbed to injury inside 20 minutes but Armstrong slotted in to the back line with ease despite an early morning journey from a Cornish holiday and the presence of former Robin Dean Griffith in the Bitton attack.

Tom Llewellyn was soon in the action and his superb work led to Taylor and Morgan Williams having chances blocked and it was some time before the home side threatened as a Will Stead free-kick in a dangerous position was just wide. Having already lost Hedges, the away defence was further hindered when Jordan Greenwood twice went down with what looked like a groin injury and had to give best with Adnan Hiroli coming on and another shuffle required just on the half hour.

Taylor then showed why he has enjoyed success with free-kicks recently when he hammered one through the wall only to see Matt Dunk superbly tip it onto the bar. Duffy then had an effort from way out deflected for a corner as Bridgwater looked to cement their superiority with a goal while Bitton’s attacks were more sporadic with Liam Monelle blazing over. Right on the break Llewellyn’s corner appeared to bounce on the top of the bar and away but the opening goal was proving elusive despite a fine performance all round.

On the restart Bridgwater had the best of the conditions as the wind eased slightly and substitute Hiroli was getting through plenty of work and he got on the end of a long cross to direct a header goalwards but it was hacked away only for George King to drive over.

The frustration was finally ended with the next attack with Duffy, Hiroli, Williams and King all involved before Taylor slammed in a left footed half volley to the delight of the travelling fans who made up a significant portion of the 92 crowd. Bitton were not finished as Griffiths was put clear but Jake Viney was equal to him and produced a superb save which appeared to take the life out of the home side.

King then swivelled and crashed a first time volley just over after an immaculate through ball from the gifted Llewellyn and the points were finally pocketed when Taylor’s guile and pace was too much for Callum Ball who brought him down in the box. He got up to make it 30 goals in as many games and collected the man of the match award after the game although in truth it was an excellent all round team performance and bodes well for the busy period coming up in league and cup.

Match Details
Match: Bitton v Bridgwater United
Competition: Toolstation Western League
Date: Saturday 27th February 2022
Venue: Midland Spinner Stadium
Attendance: 92

Teams

Bitton: Matt Dunk, Jack Allward, Charlie Hitchings, Callum Ball, Liam Monelle, Matt Groves, Will Stead, Dean Griffiths, Josh Egan, Ben Withey.

Subs: Jordan Whittaker, Sam Hill, Matt Hedges, Jack Sheppard.

United: Jake Viney, Sam Hedges, Harry Durant, George King, Jordan Greenwood, Jacob Spence, Mike Duffy, Morgan Williams, Jack Taylor, Tom Llewellyn, Sam Crumb.

Subs: Mark Armstrong, Adnan Hiroli, Cameron Gauci, Ryan Brereton, Jake Llewellyn.

Match Officials
Referee: Jonathan Batteson
Assistant Referee: Joshua Morford
Assistant Referee: Joe Drew

Who’s next? United travel to Keynsham Town on Saturday 5th March, 3pm.