Evo-stik Southern League Division One South

Bridgwater Town 3, Evesham United 5

BRIDGWATER Town signed off the season with defeat in an eight-goal thriller with runners-up Evesham, writes Pete Besley.

Kyle Tooze, Craig Allan and Tom Knighton were on target for Town, who had found themselves 4-0 down at half-time, but they were unable to pull off a remarkable comeback. The visitors almost completely dominated the first half, going in at the break 4-0 up. Bridgwater did have some early pressure which saw a goal bound header cleared off the line - a photographer and those directly behind the goal gave the opinion that the ball was at least a foot over the line, the assistant thought otherwise.

But all that changed on 14 minutes when Nick Stanley placed his well struck free kick through the defensive wall and into the corner of the net.

Mat Sysum doubled Evesham’s lead on 24 minutes, powerfully heading home a right wing cross.

Ten minutes later, after a spell of attacking, Evesham’s Lance Smith made it three as his shot found its way through a forest of legs and into the net.

Approaching half time Lee Smith completed Bridgwater’s first-half misery by scoring Evesham’s fourth goal.

The second-half was a completely different story - as Evesham faded, Bridgwater blossomed.

Just after coming on as substitute, Kyle Tooze pulled a goal back for Bridgwater.

Evesham regained their four goal lead through a second Lee Smith goal, before the home side staged a remarkable finish to the game.

Goals by Craig Allan and Tom Knighton restored Bridgwater’s pride and nearly set up a comeback to beat all come backs, but Evesham held on to send their supporters home in a jubilant mood.

Bridgwater Town: John, Grimshaw, Welling, Allan, Rudge, Robertson (Cpt), Chamberlain, O’Hare, Knighton, Bushin, McNab, Subs, Byrne, Tooze, Allward, Bridges and Fey.