Toolstation Western League
Premier Division
Hallen 1, Bridgwater Town 2

BRIDGWATER Town claimed their first win of 2018 at Hallen on Saturday, as goals from Jack Taylor and Mike Duffy earned the three points.

In one of the few games to survive the wet weather and waterlogged pitches, the Robins began brightly, and co-manager Dave Pearse headed an early chance over the top from Will Hancox's cross.

Both sides were creating half-chances without overextending the opposing goalkeeper, until 34 minutes in, when Taylor showed just what the Robins had been missing with him out injured, as he moved onto a through-ball, rounded the keeper and finished well.

The visitors had a let-off just minutes later, as a free-kick struck the inside of Jake Viney's post and rolled away, but it remained 1-0 at half time.

Their lead was doubled a mere three minutes after the restart, as Duffy took aim from 25 yards and his shot flew into the top corner.

It was nearly 3-0 two minutes after that, as Pearse turned in the box and saw his effort tipped onto the bar by keeper Sam Burgess, but from there the hosts were on top.

Viney had to be alert to keep out a cross-shot, and then made an acrobatic stop at his near post, with the resulting corner seeing a free header go over.

The relief was short-lived, though, as Hallen did make it 2-1 in the 78th minute, Tom Bradley finding space at the back post to slot in.

With the momentum against them, the Robins made a couple of changes to try to slow the game down.

They succeeded, with defenders putting their body on the line when required and Viney saving a fierce drive from Aaron Anglin, and therefore secured the points to take back to Bridgwater.

Their next game is at home to Clevedon Town at Fairfax Park, next Saturday (January 27, ko 3pm).

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Charlie White, Mark Armstrong, Lee Begg, Kurt Robinson (c), Mike Duffy (Josh White 71), Jack Jenkins, Harry Horton, Will Hancox (Tyne Govier 84), Jack Taylor (Syd Camper 81), Dave Pearse.
Sub not used: Dave Thorne.