Somerset County Premier League Cup

Bridgwater Town Reserves 2, Minehead 2 (Bridgwater Town Reserves win 4-3 on penalties)

BRIDGWATER Town progressed through to the next round of the Somerset Premier League cup after beating Minehead 4-3 on penalties on Saturday.

Bridgwater found themselves one down within three minutes of the game starting after they failed to deal with a Minehead corner, as the ball was headed back across goal and prodded home from close range.

They were deservedly back on level terms after the rejuvenated Lee Villis burst down the left fed Kenzie Farnham and the striker was unceremoniously bundled over in the box.

Farnham dusted himself off to calmly convert the resultant penalty and drew Bridgwater back on level terms 30 minutes in.

Minehead were back in front just two minutes before half time after Callum Laird was adjudged to have clipped a Minehead player in the box and the penalty was confidently fired past goalkeeper Josh Hayward.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Minehead seemingly content to sit back and cling on to their slim advantage.

Bridgwater continued to pass the ball well and looked to have levelled the game after 16 year old substitute Charlie White beat two defenders and pulled the ball back to Kenzie Farnham who fired the ball over the bar from six yards out.

Not to be deterred, Bridgwater pushed for the equaliser and got their rewards a minute from time when captain Josh White forced the ball home after a goal mouth scramble.

A minute before the end of time Minehead went close to winning it, but goalkeeper Josh Hayward pulled off an outstanding save from a rasping volley from the edge of the box.

Bridgwater held their nerve better from the spot after Josh White, Kenzie Farnham, Andy Venning and Callum Laird all converted to give Bridgwater a 4-3 penalty victory.

Manager, Luke Buckingham said: “I was proud of our players today - we displayed exceptional character to come from behind twice during the game and some of the football we played today was a joy to watch.

“Credit needs to go to the whole squad for that performance after bouncing back from a disappointing result last week.

“We are looking forward to getting back to league action on at home on Wednesday night.”

Bridgwater Town Reserves return to league action on Wednesday at home to Broad Plain (7.45pm KO).