Calor League South & West

Stratford Town 1, Bridgwater Town 2

BRIDGWATER Town ended a run of nine successive away defeats with a hard-fought 2-1 win at a blustery Stratford Town, writes Eddie Robinson.

Goals from Karin Rendall and leading scorer Joe Bushin gave Richard Fey’s side a much needed three points.

In the first half Bridgwater faced a strong wind, blowing diagonally down the ground and found themselves pinned back in their own half.

The defence held a high line and behind them, Wright – with his confident handling – made good use of his area to snuff out many of Stratford’s over hit passes.

Solid work from the new defensive pairing of Allen and Thomas ensured that chances were at a premium for the home side.

Town took the lead on 40 minutes when a well-timed tackle from Osman dispossessed Sterling, who was in full flight. Osman’s astute pass found Rendall and the winger cut inside and fired a low shot into the far corner of the goal.

But there was still time for Stratford to equalise before the interval.

A tricky run by Price saw him brought down in the penalty area and Gregory made no mistake from 12 yards – firing past Wright with a powerful shot.

With the wind no at their backs, Bridgwater dominated the second half, winning a series of corners in the first ten minutes of the half – two of which saw Thomas and Bushin go close.

Rendall was causing a lot of problems for Stratford down the left-hand side and it was him again who played a huge part in Bridgwater’s second.

His cross found Osman, whose shot was saved – but Bushin was quickest to the loose ball to fire Bridgwater back into the lead on 62 minutes.

Stratford’s task was made a harder when Bailey was dismissed for a second bookable offence on 64 minutes.

Rendall continued to sparkle, setting up chances for Bushin and Page, but neither was able to convert.

Only in the final five minutes did Stratford put Bridgwater under any pressure, but the visitor’s were comfortable enough and battled on to take all three points.