Weds. 23rd Oct. Toolstation Premier Div. Westbury United 1 Bridgwater Town 2
A highly entertaining match on Meadow Lane’s greasy surface where visiting goalkeeper, Jake Viney, kept his team in it during the first half with several excellent saves.
Westbury played some brilliant football from the off with Joe Stradling at the heart of some pacy moves. Stradling had the first chance, but his weak effort was easy for Viney. The keeper then did well to claim the ball under pressure from Ricky Hulbert after more good play by Stradling.
Bridgwater grew into the game and Ed Baldy did well to claim Mike Duffy’s skiddy 30 yard shot. Soon after, Ross McErlain headed over when well placed at Sam Towler’s set piece.
Ryan Bole had another outstanding match and his searching ball from wide on the left found Sam Jordan, whose header brought the best out of Viney.
United were right on top around the half hour and Stradling showed good pace and strength, only to see a teammate deflect his effort wide. Soon after, Bole swung in a fine corner which was met by Jordan Pinder, whose effort hit the side netting.
The hosts’ dominance continued and skipper Steve Hulbert had the best chance of all, but his finish was wayward after being set up by Jamie Jordan’s defence-splitting pass.
Viney was superb just before the break. Firstly he got down low to save Mark Robinson’s low shot, then got up to make an even better save from Sam Jordan’s rebound.
Town started better after the break, with Duffy running from the halfway line and shooting narrowly wide.
However it was Bole who stole the show for Westbury. On 52 he curled in a great free kick that crashed off the crossbar, then 5 minutes later went one better by curling a wonderful corner kick straight into the net to make it 1-0.
This seemed to sting Bridgwater into action. They got going like they hadn’t previously and drew level on 62. Dan Jordan and Matt Jones threw their bodies in the way of goalbound attempts, but everyone was helpless as Tom Ellis latched onto the ball and smashed it into the roof of the net.
Town then managed to get themselves in front. Baldy did well to parry a shot by Dave O’Hare, but the ball was played back in to Jake Brown, who made no mistake from close range. This hurt United, in no way did they deserve to be behind and now their visitors had a lead to defend which they did well.
Viney saved again, this time from a Sam Jordan header and it was Town who went close to clinching victory when Jones blocked Steve Murray’s shot.
Stradling almost conjured a late equaliser but after running to the edge of the box, he chose to pass to Callum Demkiv who lost the ball.
*Star Man ; Ryan Bole Team ; Ed Baldy, Jordan Pinder, Ryan Bole, Dan Jordan, Matt Jones, Steve Hulbert, Joe Stradling, Jamie Jordan, Ricky Hulbert, Sam Jordan, Mark Robinson. Subs; Callum Demkiv, Dan Kovacs, Will Stead (used) Jason Henley, Lewis Porter (unused).
