On a bleak December afternoon, Bridgwater United made the long journey to Cornwall, a trip that would have been far more appealing in the warmth of summer than the grey, rain-threatening conditions that greeted them. Still, despite the weather’s best efforts to dampen spirits, the hospitality from Newquay AFC was nothing short of excellent, ensuring players and supporters alike felt welcome on the Cornish coast.
The occasion was historic for the hosts, who broke their attendance record with 607 fans passing through the turnstiles. While the majority were naturally supporting Newquay, they wouldn’t have reached that milestone without the exceptional contribution from Bridgwater’s travelling support. A large contingent had taken advantage of affordable travel arranged by Owner Ian and main sponsor Nigel in conjunction with Edwards Coaches, whom we thank.
There was welcome team news for The Robins, with Louis Smith returning between the sticks after suspension and Mark Armstrong back in the starting lineup following injury. Weston-Super-Mare loanee Krystian Woods also took his place on the left wing.
FIRST HALF
As the game kicked off with the rain mercifully holding off, both teams demonstrated ambitions to play football in the manner Bridgwater had done so successfully the previous weekend. However, recent rainfall had left the pitch cutting up quickly, making neat passing football difficult as the surface deteriorated.
Around five minutes in, Santa made an appearance around the ground, bell ringing and giving it large. I had my answer to his question ready – “3 points please, Santa.”
The first half was a sparse affair for action, but the hosts converted the solitary chance that did arrive on the quarter-hour mark. A long ball to the far post was squared across the goal for a simple tap-in from close range. While Smith was helpless, the defensive unit might have wished for a second opportunity to deal with the situation.
As half-time approached, Newquay carved out another half-chance with a shot from the edge of the box, but Smith was down smartly to gather.
HALF TIME: NEWQUAY AFC 1-0 BRIDGWATER UNITED
And that, remarkably, was the extent of the first-half action. Bridgwater had attempted to replicate their ball-playing approach from the Saltash game, trying to play out from the back. Credit to the Newquay groundstaff for getting the game on, but the pitch surface made intricate passing difficult. Wacko and Howe up front were starved of service, with neither side creating much in what had been a largely forgettable opening 45 minutes.
SECOND HALF
As the teams re-emerged, the heavens opened, and it absolutely teemed it down.
Newquay started the second period fast, immediately creating a series of chances that tested our defence. Smith was called into action almost immediately, producing a phenomenal save – extending himself fully to fingertip a goal-bound effort around the post.
A minute later, the Newquay right winger tried his luck from distance. The shot had Smith scrambling, but once again the goalkeeper was equal to the task, pushing the ball around the same post.
Finally, at the 54-minute mark, Bridgwater created their first meaningful opportunity. A looping ball dropped to Wacko in the box, who poked his effort wide.
Newquay continued to lay siege to the Bridgwater goal. A free-kick found an attacker unmarked at the back post, but somehow, he contrived to pop his effort over the bar when scoring seemed easier.
Bridgwater gradually began to string passes together, growing into the game with increasing confidence. Camilo combined nicely with Grubb before being released into the box, but his shot was directed straight at the goalkeeper.
Another chance followed when a cleared free-kick dropped to Hodge on the edge of the area, though his effort was shanked well wide.
Just as Bridgwater appeared to be finding their rhythm, a speculative shot deflected high into the air before dipping into the net, leaving Smith wrong-footed. It was a cruel slice of luck that doubled Newquay’s advantage.
Two minutes later, it was three. A free-kick was met by a completely unmarked Newquay player who cleverly flicked a backward header into the net. Two goals in two minutes had effectively ended the contest just as Bridgwater looked capable of creating something.
To their credit, The Robins continued to push forward. Wacko forced the Newquay goalkeeper into a good save, while Haydan Chambers blasted an opportunity over the bar from inside the box.
With five minutes remaining, Smith was once again Bridgwater’s saviour, keeping the scoreline respectable with another brilliant reaction save – flicking a close-range effort onto the bar before immediately scrambling out to block the follow-up.
By this stage, players and supporters were equally drenched. With the scoreline at 3-0 and 90 minutes on the clock, the referee showed mercy, blowing the final whistle.
FULL TIME: NEWQUAY AFC 3-0 BRIDGWATER UNITED
A disappointing trip south ended in defeat against a Newquay side who deserved their three points. While the second goal involved an element of misfortune with the deflection, there was no denying that the hosts were the better side on the day.
However, this was a low-chance game that might have developed differently had Bridgwater converted when they were growing into the second half, rather than conceding the deflected second goal. The intent to play passing football remained clear, but unlike the previous weekend against Saltash, the approach didn’t translate into chances or control.
This marks Bridgwater’s final fixture before Boxing Day, so we’d like to wish all our supporters a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the festive period, we’ll see you all back at Fairfax Park when football returns.
#WeAreUnited
