Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Bridgwater Town 1, Shepton Mallet 2

BRIDGWATER Town slipped to an agonising last-minute defeat against Shepton Mallet at Fairfax Park last night, writes Kerry Miller.

Havnig equalised with five minutes to play, the hosts were hit by a 94th-minute sucker punch as Elliott Nicholson's strike won the match at the death for the visitors.

Bridgy welcomed new signing Shaun Copp, from Barnstaple Town and they were soon into gear with Copp setting up Callum Ham, whose wicked drive was tipped over the bar by the impressive young keeper Tom Easterbrook.

Shepton were also quickly into their stride and Ashley Willmott curled an effort over before Easterbrook trumped his earlier save with an even better effort from Copp’s dipping volley.

Shepton roared back and Tyson Pollard threw over a long cross which deceived the home defence but Willmott headed wide from a good position.

The home reprieve was short lived as the visitors took the lead in the 25th minute.

Finding room through the middle, Joe Morgan exchanged passes with George Carey before crashing a low shot past Jake Viney from distance to give Shepton the lead.

Pearse then set up Steve Holland who brought another save out of Easterbrook around the half hour mark and Ham blazed over just before the break.

Bridgwater were determined to take control at the restart and Kyle Paine shot just wide, but Shepton were just as eager to protect their lead and Jack Goodall ventured forward to bring a save out of Viney. .

Charlie White, Pearse and Ham were all looking busy but the visiting defence, with skipper James Billing marshalling at the back, were equal to everything in front of Easterbrook.

Shepton boss Jon Burr sent on Nicholson around the hour mark but it was Bridgwater who could have levelled things when Josh White nodded a long cross into the six yard box but Pearse was just crowded out.

At the other end Nicholson could have made it two as he was in space with a clear run at goal but delayed and the chance was lost but he linked with Pollard seconds later only for his shot to be saved by Viney.

Bridgy introduced Syd Camper and Matt Connick to look for a way back and Camper was inches away with a left foot strike from another flowing move.

Just as it looked like time was running out, Bridgwater eventually equalised through a Callum Ham penalty with five minutes to play following a clash in the area between Shepton’s joint player-manager Craig Loxton and home player-manager Dave Pearse.

Referee Stuart Kane pointed to the spot after cautioning Loxton and Ham shot home via the post to seemingly rescue a point.

But deep into time added on Bridgy gave away a careless free-kick in a good position and Tom Hill’s dipping effort was pushed onto the bar, only for Nicholson to hook home after a scramble.

Bridgwater now sit 14th with three points from their opening four matches, and will hope for an improved outcome from their trip to Wells City on Saturday.