Evostik Southern League Division 1 S&W

Stratford Town 2, Bridgwater Town 2

BRIDGWATER Town turned in a very good performance to earn a point at league leaders Stratford on Saturday, in a game they were unlucky not to take more from, writes Eddie Robinson.

Kyle Tooze and Dean Griffiths scored first-half goals for the visitors, before the latter was sent off for an off-the-ball spat which also saw his opposite number given his marching orders.

Stratford, for 15 minutes, played like a top-of-the-table side and took the lead when, after an incisive move down the left, Gregory found space to thump his shot past John after five minutes.

Once Bridgwater’s defence got tighter and stood up to the aggressive Sterling, they were the better team for the remainder of the game. Twice, Stratford’s keeper rashly came off his line and was bailed out by covering defenders with goalmouth clearances.

Bushin had the ball in the net after 10 minutes but his header ruled out for a foul on the keeper.

Griffiths had two efforts on target but it was Tooze who equalised with a fine shot from 25 yards that sailed into the top corner on 31 minutes.

It was no surprise when Griffiths put them in front three minutes later – a corner was returned to Tooze by O’Hare and the winger’s cross was fired in by Griffiths.

Bridgwater continued on top until the interval but, as the referee was preparing to whistle for half-time, the two number nines and goal scorers who hadn’t previously been within 30 yards of each other clashed on the half-way line and both were sent-off.

Trailing, Stratford made a positive change for the second half but it was Bridgwater who controlled the game as the sides adjusted to both being a man short.

Bridgwater’s midfield trio were playing better than their counterparts as they remained in control. Bridgwater’s defence had a firm grip on proceedings as Stratford’s Sterling faded into anonymity and only the right wing play of Tulloh threatened danger.

Bushin and Tooze were somewhat isolated up front but each came close to extending Bridgwater’s lead, while Allward had two 40-yard shots that worried the keeper.

Chamberlain had a shot cleared off the line and, minutes later, picking the ball up outside his own penalty area, ran fully 60 yards before shooting over.

As players tired in the closing stages, Stratford found an equaliser when sub Price was first to react when John’s save fell at his feet.

Bridgwater: John, Grimshaw, Allen, Thomas, Allward, Robertson, Chamberlain (Welling 92), O’Hare, Tooze (McNab 74), Bushin (Rudge 88), Griffiths.

BRIDGWATER’s scheduled match at home to Wimborne Town on Saturday has been postponed and they are next due to play at Didcot Town on December 20.