Bridgwater United 7 - 0 Brislington
There were 31 goals scored in seven Western League Premier games on Saturday and the goal-hungry Robins helped themselves to seven of them without reply. Almost unbelievably four of them were scored in the last 6 minutes when weary Brislington ran out of steam.
Incredibly this was the same scoreline as when the clubs last met at Fairfax Park. For much of the game Brislington were in with a chance of some return but once United scored their third goal with 13 minutes left, it was obvious where the points were going.
Bearing in mind that the team had a bit of a makeshift look due to a raft of injuries, especially to the defence, this was a superb effort. For example, midfielder Harry Horton was playing at right back and young Harry Durrant, normally a striker, was deployed at left back. They both did well but Horton was outstanding from the first kick and showed what a complete footballer he is.
Shrewd late substitutions made by the Robins management really served to turn the screw on a Brislington team who had lost a couple of defenders during the game through injury and who had to manage the last few minutes with ten on the pitch, as all substitutions had been made.
The pitch was wet and rain pelted down for most of the time but this was proper football weather and the fans thoroughly enjoyed watching the rejuvenated Robins.
In the opening exchanges Jack Taylor slipped the ball into the net after a confident looking Durant carried the ball deep into the opponents’ defence. He was flagged offside.
United’s first goal had a touch of luck attached to it. The wholehearted Jordan Greenwood had a barnstorming game and he won the ball and burst forward towards the penalty area at great speed. A mistimed tackle sent him flying and he landed well inside the penalty area. Was he fouled inside or outside? It looked outside to many. Never mind, the penalty was given and Taylor sent Callum Heal the wrong way with his low spot kick.
United were spraying passes around with pace and, most of the time, with accuracy. It was noticeable how hard players worked to get ball side of their opponents and not to dive in to challenges.
Nevertheless, Brislington did have spells of attacking when they might have scored. After getting away on the right wing James Aliger pulled the ball back for Jordan Scadding who showed a lack of composure in thumping his shot too high when well placed. Josh Brace also had a decent opportunity after good work from Kain Edmondson, but his finish lacked conviction and was never going to trouble Jake Viney. In fact, a lack of conviction would sum up all of the Brislington attacking attempts.
In the last ten minutes of the first half United began to dominate. Greenwood slipped the ball to Taylor who lifted the ball over Heal. It was going in but was cleared from near the goal line before Nick Woodrow could intervene. Then, a minute from the break, United scored number two. Following a corner kick, Woodrow had two attempts denied but the ball landed at Greenwood’s feet, and he slammed it in.
A two-goal lead was maybe a bit flattering at half time and it was made to look a bit shaky in the first five minutes of half number two. Kieron Proctor burst through but seemed to want the ball on his right foot. His left footed effort was poor and it dribbled wide. Brace then wasted a great chance by lifting well over as United looked too casual for a while.
United did heed the lessons of those scares and bossed the rest of the game. Archie Sturdy had two attempts which were driven too high and then Adnan Hiroli looked sure to score after Taylor did superbly to get to the by line and caress a cross right onto his foot, a few yards out. Hiroli miscued the side footed shot, and it went away from the target. Hiroli was to redeem himself- and how!
Three substitutions midway through the half gave the Robins a kickstart. It wasn’t long before dominance turned into goals. More creative set-up work from the busy and elusive Taylor gave Woodrow a chance. After twisting and turning he shot too high.
Ross Edwards’ first goal for the club sealed the win. A free kick from Tom Llewellyn was headed down to Edwards and he lashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Brislington were well and truly put to the sword in the last 10 minutes. Dave Thorne and Taylor were the providers for Woodrow to get a deserved goal with a low finish, but the pick of the goals was supplied by Hiroli. An unshackled Taylor caused more havoc on the right and his low cross was met with a delightful back heel from Hiroli which flew high into the net. Picture perfect.
The Robins were now looking hungry, wanting to feast on more tasty morsels. Taylor got his second after Woodrow’s shot was parried by Heal and he hooked in the rebound. Brislington’s central defender Ryan Lynskey pulled up in the movement that led to that goal and he limped off to leave his colleagues a man down.
United went seven-up just before full time. Horton was now in his more usual midfield spot and he drilled a low shot against the left post. When it came out Mark Armstrong scored to complete the visitors’ misery.
Surely this ruthless and comprehensive win will spur the Robins to climb further up the league table. No club is running away with the league this time. You just never know! There is power to add with senior players due to return from injury absences. Another pleasing element from the game was that Bridgwater personnel didn’t receive any yellow cards.
Match Details
Match: Bridgwater United v Brislington
Competition: Toolstation Western League
Date: Saturday 2nd October 2021
Venue: Fairfax Park
Attendance: 193
Teams
United: Jake Viney, Harry Horton, Harry Durant, Ross Edwards, Jordan Greenwood, Archie Sturdy, Tom Llewellyn, George King, Mike Duffy, Jack Taylor, Nick Woodrow.
Subs: Morgan Williams, Tom Ellis, Adnan Hiroli, Mark Armstrong, Dave Thorne.
Brislington: Callum Heal, Lewis Ewins, Mitch Greenslade, Conor McCormack, Ryan Lynskey, Simon Prangley, Kain Edmondson, George Jones, Ryan Bath, James Aliger, Jordan Scadding.
Subs: Josh Brace Kieron Proctor, Robbie Tanner.
Match Officials
Referee: Bailey Walker
Assistant Referee: Keith Holvey
Assistant Referee: Jack Luxon
Who’s next? United are back at Fairfax Park to face Mousehole on Saturday 9th October. 3pm
- Mark Hollidge
- By Debbie Gould
