Somerset County Premier
Bridgwater Town Reserves 1, Shirehampton 1
BRIDGWATER came back from a goal down to earn a draw with runaway league leaders Shirehampton and extend their unbeaten run to 12 league games.
Bridgwater were without Josh White (knee), Connor O’Neill (foot), Charlie White (illness) and Ellis Harper (work) and faced a Shirehampton team full of confidence having won 15 games in a row, a run stretching back until August.
Shirehampton started the brighter with their experienced front line of George Brimson and Josh Klein-Davies proving to be a handful.
The Bristol-based team nearly went in front five minutes in but a fine save from young goalkeeper Josh Hayward kept the scores level.
Shirehampton did take a deserved lead after 30 minutes when Bridgwater failed to deal with a midfield run and the ball broke to a Shirehampton forward whose neat finish left keeper Hayward with no chance.
Bridgwater were defending well and limiting Shirehampton to speculative shots from distance and the home side’s front three of Kenzie Farnham, Lee Villis and Josh Champion looked dangerous on the break.
The scores were level moments before half-time after John Matthews’ excellent corner was met by Callum Laird, whose powerful header found the roof of the net.
After half-time, both sides upped the tempo and looked to win the game.
Bridgwater introduced promising 16-year-old forward Harry Fitchew who replaced John Matthews – and, with 20 minutes to go, they lost experienced defender Neil Peek to a serious-looking leg injury and replaced him with 16-year-old forward Charlie Bridges.
The latter stages of the game saw Shirehampton dominate territory but Bridgwater’s back line held firm and the home side nearly clinched a winner after Bridges couldn’t quite force home after the away goalkeeper mishandled a shot from distance.
Manager Luke Buckingham said: “I was proud of every one of our players today – Shirehampton came here on a great run and full of confidence but we matched them in every department.
“The team is learning and growing with each game and it’s a pleasure to work with such a group of players that have such strength of character and resilience.”
l On Saturday, Bridgwater Reserves travel to St George’s EiG for a Premier/ First Division Cup tie (ko 1.45pm).
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