Match Report:
Shepton Mallet 0
Bridgwater United 2 (Jack Thorne 15, Jack Taylor 43)
‘The Robins’ penultimate away trip of the season saw them visit 7th placed Shepton Mallet missing George King (knee ligaments), Ben Griffith (damaged hand) and Vice-Captain Jake Llewellyn serving the first of a two-match ban for the accumulation of 10 cautions.
United were quickly into their stride clearly looking to build on the momentum from their second half performance against the league leaders on Tuesday and to avoid conceding early in what seemed likely to be a close encounter.
The early exchanges saw Jack Taylor’s excellent cross from the left cleared with some desperation by the hosts defence and from the resulting corner Adam Wright fired narrowly over when well placed. Playing up the slope and against the elements, the visitors continued to dominate possession and territory.
Half chances for the ever-busy Morgan Williams and then Taylor followed, with Shepton struggling to make any impact on the game. On 15 minutes, 3 successive headers won by United created an opportunity for Jack Thorne to end his recent goal drought which he gleefully converted to give his side a richly deserved lead 0-1.
As the half continued so did the visitor’s domination and it was no surprise to see the persistence of Jack Thorne create a chance for his strike partner Taylor, which he converted in style to double United’s lead going into the break. 0-2.
There was some early evidence that harsh words were delivered by the home management team as the hosts appeared sharper in the early exchanges of the second period.
Luke Purnell, who was a spectator for much of the first 45 minutes, was brought into action as he dived to his right to thwart the only meaningful home attack to that point. Without exerting their domination of the first period, United continued to create chances whilst ensuring that their rearguard remained virtually untroubled.
With just 7 minutes remaining, the hardworking Wright cut inside but his well struck drive missed the far post by inches. From the resulting goal kick, Jack Thorne was quick to see an opportunity to double his tally as his shot from fully 35 yards was brilliantly turned around his left hand by Jepson the Mallet custodian.
With time added on a final attack from the hosts saw Purnell do well to cling on to a close-range effort that ensured both the clean sheet and three points were secured.
This was a pleasing and very competent performance from United to keep them in the mix for a play-off place.
United: Luke Purnell, Dave Thorne, Finn Koppa, Jason Quick, Mark Armstrong (Capt), (Sam Hedges 90 +5), Llewellyn, Jay Murray, Morgan Williams, Jack Taylor (Josiah McKayle 85), Jack Thorne (Fran Sousa 89), Adam Wright
Subs Unused: Josh Phillips
Shepton Mallet: Sam Jepson, Joel Sisson, James Sharkey, Will Banks, Rutty, Legge, Dylan Gould, Callum Gould, Charlie Bateson, Jacob Sloggett (Capt), Ethan Witchell.
Subs: Alessandro Constanza, Aaron Seviour, Luke Ponsillo,
Subs Unused: Matt Morris, William Hunter.
Competition: Toolstation Western League, Premier Division
Attendance: 222
Venue: The Playing Field, Shepton Mallet
Date: 23rd March 2024
Report: Bob Buckingham
