Bridgwater Town 2, Cinderford Town 0 (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bridgwater Town 2, Cinderford Town 0

4:02pm Sunday 7th February 2010

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Bridgwater Town returned to winning ways with a result against Cinderford that was far more emphatic than the score line suggests, writes Brian Austin.

Town made five changes to the team after the midweek draw against North Leigh.

Leigh Bailey came in at left back with Jamie Laird moving to the centre of defence. Brett Trowbridge and Craig Thomas returned in midfield and Chris Young moved back to his favourite striking role.

Town attacked from the off and Craig Thomas brought the first of many fine saves from goal keeper Ben John in the 16th minute at the expense of the first of a succession of corners.

A good build up involving Young, Porter and Thomas ended with Porter shooting wide on 22 minutes.

Five minutes later Young set up Trowbridge for a shot that the busy John pushed around the post.

More good work by Thomas almost set up Young but the striker was just unable to reach the deep cross.

Robertson hit an inch perfect pass into the path of Pepperell but the winger’s cross was just too long for the on rushing forwards.

After 31 minutes John again came to Cinderford’s rescue when he saved superbly from Young.

Bridgwater's next attack brought the opening goal in the 32nd minute as Jamie Laird found Young in the box with a pinpoint pass. Young was unceremoniously brought down for a penalty that Pepperell stroked home.

Price had the next chance for Bridgwater as he got his head to an in-swinging corner but could not direct his header on target.

The half ended with Porter shooting straight at John.

The second half began as the first had ended with Bridgwater on the attack. Little had been seen at this stage of the Cinderford forwards.

Price and Pepperell were causing the Cinderford defence all sorts of problems as the two combined down the right flank and the Town midfield of Trowbridge, Porter, Robertson and Thomas were totally out gunning their counterparts.

After 52 minutes, Young should have doubled Town’s advantage but hit the side netting.

In the 56th minute, Cinderford's defenders just managed to keep Town out as a succession of shots were charged down and eventually cleared.

Cinderford broke to the other end with their first real attack of the match and substitute Lewis Summers beat Manley but not the crossbar.

Town came back on the attack straight away and Pepperell broke through but his fierce right foot volley struck the upright with goalkeeper John well beaten.

On 63 minutes, Town eventually got their second and what a great goal it was.

A superb move down the right involving several players ended with Pepperell crossing and Young forcing the ball home.

Town should have had a second penalty six minutes later when Trowbridge was brought down but the referee deemed Trowbridge had dived and issued a yellow card and a free kick to Cinderford.

Robertson had the next opportunity for Town when he was found by the industrious Thomas but couldn't get his strong shot on target. Cinderford broke away and Manley did well to save from Heal.

In the 77th minute, Cinderford were gifted a lifeline back into the game, which they hardly deserved, when they were awarded a penalty. Heal took the kick but hit the post and from then on it was all Bridgwater.

Villis had a header tipped over by John before the excellent Jamie Price set up another chance for the hard working Robertson who shot over.

This was an excellent all round performance by Bridgwater but once again they failed to put away the chances their superb approach play created.

The 2-0 scoreline flattered a Cinderford side that had arrived unbeaten in three and had beaten second placed AFC Totton in midweek.

Player ratings in brackets.

Bridgwater Town team: Manley (8) Price (9) Bailey (7) Laird (7) Villis (7) Trowbridge (8) Robertson (7) Porter (8) Pepperell (7) Young (7) Thomas (7)

Subs used: Tasker, Howson.

Not used: Beadle, Mercieca, Kirk.

WERE you at the game? Do you think Bridgwater Town can push for promotion? Leave your views on our dedicated match thread on our forums by clicking the related link bellow this report.

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