Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Bridport 1, Bridgwater Town 0

A curled free-kick from Andy Martin just past the half hour mark was enough to separate these sides after an entertaining and full-blooded game at St Mary’s Field on Monday evening, writes Kerry Miller.

On paper this was a routine mid table clash with an end of season feel to it but it was anything but that with a number of back stories to the game.

Bridgwater arrived missing no less than nine first team squad players who were not available for a number of reasons but were keen to continue their good run of form which included Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Bitton in the Les Phillips Cup quarter-final.

Bridport on the other hand could break into the top eight with a win and with umpteen home games in hand were eying up a top six spot come the end of the season.

There was also the possibility that evergreen striker Mark Salter could finally reach the magic 500 senior goals, as his double against Wells City last Wednesday left him just two short and on a spongy pitch his pace and strength could be a key ingredient.

Predictably it was cold and threatening yet more rain but the teams went at it from the start with Salter and Josh White having a personal battle at one end while Bridgy player-assistant manager Dave Pearse was matched against the equally experienced Chris McGrath, who relished playing against his old side and gave a classic performance while scarcely raising a sweat.

Up front for the Bees Oscar Latas enjoyed a fine game on the left and his speed off the mark was impressive while in goal for Bridgwater was Jacob O’Callaghan, who was signed on dual forms from Devon and Exeter League side Cronies – the same club as colleague Ryan Burrows.

The game took a while to settle down with both sides struggling to get to terms with the surface, which stood up well considering the nightmare the club have been forced to endure this season.

The Bees went close on 25 minutes when Thomas set up Salter who was unlucky when his half volley came back off the bar then White appeared to bundle Salter off the ball just on the edge of the area but the penalty appeals were waved away.

The home side were on top and Thomas drilled wide from 12 yards before the incident which in effect decided the outcome of the three points.

Bridport attacked down the left and while attention was all on that side Whiter and Salter were battling to get into the area only for White to tug Salter’s shirt and then trip him up just outside the box.

After a lengthy chat with the linesman, referee Sam Littlefair, who had a good game despite the protestations from the home fans on the half way line, gave the free-kick but booked Mike Duffy rather than White, who ironically had come off worse and was substituted.

The episode was neatly completed when Martin’s free-kick left O’Callaghan flat footed to give his side a deserved lead.

Bridgy were far from done and Ryan Burrows had a shot blocked before Duffy hit the bar with a fine curling effort and Dave Thorne shot over as the Robins enjoyed a good spell just before the break.

The action continued on the restart with Burrows again shooting over but the pitch came to Bridport’s aid moments later when Pearse fed Jake Llewellyn on the left and he was in on goal but the ball bobbled when no more than six yards out and ended up in the skate park outside the ground.

McGrath ambled up field to test O’Callaghan with a left foot volley then Salter had a fine chance to edge to 499 when put through but O’Callaghan was equal to the task.

Leigh Bailey clattered the bar with a header from a corner and Duffy was wide with an effort at the other end but Bridport came away with the points while Bridgwater contributed to the action and deserved a share of the spoils.

Adam Fricker’s squad now have Street, Odd Down and Brislington to play around Easter before embarking on a run of eight home league matches plus the Les Phillips Cup match postponed on Saturday.

Bridgwater can relax and enjoy their remaining games beginning with visits to Wellington on Good Friday and Chipping Sodbury Town on Easter Monday.

Bridgwater Town: Jacob O'Callaghan, Dave Thorne (Charile White 79), Jordan Burrows, Mike Duffy, Josh White (Lee Begg 36), Tom Stone, Ash Tandy, Harry Horton, Ryan Burrows, Dave Pearse (J. Moss 77), Jake Llewellyn