Saturday 3rd October. TOOLSTATION LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION Westbury United 2 Bridgwater Town 2
HONOURS were even in this absorbing match which was played in very wet conditions at Meadow Lane.
Every player from both sides put in a great shift, tackles flew in and some superb goals were scored!
Westbury thought they had taken an early lead when the ball ended up in the net after visiting keeper Jake Viney had spilled Jack Biddescombe’s set piece, however the goal was disallowed. Bridgwater then opened the scoring in great style on 7 minutes. Dan Price had blocked Mike Hiroli’s shot but the resulting corner was only half cleared to Archie Sturdy and he fired an unstoppable 20 yarder past Mark Bowden.
Steve Hulbert and Joe Stradling both had attempts blocked before United drew level from the penalty spot on 21. Another Biddescombe free kick caused problems in the Town back line, during which a defender was adjudged to have fouled Ricky Hulbert. Sam Jordan scored with aplomb from the kick.
Stradling ran at the Bridgwater defence and had an effort blocked, then Will Thomson’s rebound was excellently cleared off the line. Soon after, Bowden showed good hands to deny Sam Towler.
Play became niggly for a while, with a series of sliding challenges and a couple of yellow cards.
Town got going towards half time and a sustained period of pressure led to United’s defence working overtime to keep it at 1-1. However they were undone when Jack Taylor fired another brilliant finish to regain the lead for the visitors.
After the break, Bridgwater continued where they had left off and Bowden did well when Hiroli hit a skidding shot.
Westbury began to get a foothold in midfield. This wasn’t affected by a double change which saw Steve Hulbert and Thomson replaced by Ben Griffiths and Jordan Pinder. The fresh legs seemed to prove vital and a number of chances were created.
Sam Jordan hit the post after a Biddescombe corner, the impressive Jake Hutchings hit a fine free kick inches wide, then sent in a great cross which nobody attacked. Jamie Jordan and Sam Jordan set up Stradling whose attempt found the side netting.
An equaliser seemed likely but when it came, the circumstances were remarkable! Viney did superbly to advance out of his area and beat Sam Jordan to the ball, however he found himself out of position and Stradling took full advantage by hitting a wonderful 40-yard shot that flew in to make it 2-2.
Both teams went all out for a winner, with Sturdy going close for Town, as well as the home defence having to work really hard to keep them at bay.
Westbury went close through Stradling after a great ball by Pinder, then several fine balls into the danger area by Biddescombe went unrewarded.
*Star Man; Joe Stradling. Team; Mark Bowden, Jake Hutchings, Jamie Jordan, Dan Price, Scott Gregory, Steve Hulbert, Joe Stradling, Will Thomson, Ricky Hulbert, Sam Jordan, Jack Biddescombe. Subs; Ben Griffiths, Jordan Pinder, Mark Robinson (used) Dan Jordan, Josh Ferguson (unused)
