Bridgwater striker Jack Taylor scored his 102nd club goal

He scored a hattrick in his side’s 3-0 victory over Saltash United in the Toolstation Western Premier League.

Going into the game on 99 goals, preparations were in place for celebrations for the future centurion however it was unexpected and an added showing of skill when Taylor made it 102 goals in quick fashion.

The epitome of a club hero, Taylor started his Bridgwater United journey as a ball boy when he was in his just a boy, he then went on to play for Bridgy as a junior, U18 and in the reserves until he doubted his ability to play for the first team.

A brief stint at Wellington as a young man kept him playing at a good level however when current Bridgwater United manager Dave Pearse took a chance on Taylor, he could show everyone what he could do.

In September of 2017 he signed for Bridgwater and well since, he hasn’t stopped scoring.

“I love it here, it has taken a lot of hard work to get here, but I am made up!”

“I am buzzing, I have been informed that I am only 14 off the all-time club record, next stop 150.”

The club record is held by Tony Brawley, who played for the club in the 60's and 70's.

Photo: Debbie Gould

Team manager, Dave Pearse said that without doubt he is the best goal scorer in the league and would compete at a much higher level.

“Jack has been scoring goals for us for years, he is definitely the best finisher in the league.”

He went on to say that Bridgwater United is very lucky to have a player like Taylor.

“I know he has turned down offers at clubs in higher divisions to continue playing for us, he is a huge part of the team and this club.”

“We are extremely lucky to have him,” Pearse said.

Jack Taylor has had interest from elsewhere but for Bridgwater fans, you don’t need to worry, from all reports he loves playing football for his local team.

“The club and Dave (Pearse) took a gamble on me when no one else was interested, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

This win took Bridgwater to eighth in the league table with a game in hand and just three points off second place.

It was a big statement beating a Saltash side that has not yet been defeated this season and the whole performance was built on of solid defence and creating high percentage chances for Bridgwater.

Saltash struggled to get the ball in to good attacking positions thanks to very vocally lead pressing from the home side’s captain Mark Armstrong and the back four behind him did their jobs well.

The visitors also struggled to deal with some well worked set piece plays, from which two of Bridgwater’s goals came from, which looked a carbon copy of each other.

Pearse said the team comradery and spirit is evident in the performances of late.

“This team is gelling really well, everyone is on board with how we want to play, and our performances are highlighting that.”

Onwards and upwards for this Bridgwater side, and with their local, goalscoring legend leading the line, who knows what could happen in the rest of the season.

One thing that is known, they face Basingstoke away on Saturday in the FA Cup first qualifying round.