Toolstation Western League
Premier Division
Bridgwater Town 1, Bridport 0

SUNDAY morning brought football supporters out in force at Fairfax Park for a rare 11am kick-off and the sixth Western League Groundhop game of seven between Bridgwater Town and Bridport, writes Kerry Miller. 

The best attendance of the weekend rocked up, 371, on a bright morning to watch a full-blooded Premier Division clash between the Robins, looking to cement their top four placing, and the Bees, who had stuttered in the league but were coming off the back of a 10-0 win in the Les Phillips Cup. 

In the end, it took a red card to confirm the destination of the points as Bridport defender Andy Martin was given a straight red for a wild challenge on Harry Horton.

Two minutes later, a huge throw from Josh White was back-headed in by Tom Ellis to clinch the win and the points.

Bridport began well, with Oscar Latas shooting just over, then home winger Jake Llewellyn had a volley comfortably held by Jason Hutchings. 

Bees skipper Mark Salter and Latas linked up for Sam Clark to shoot wide on 10 minutes, and what had become an end-to-end contest continued as a long free-kick found Llewellyn again but he was denied by Hutchings. 

The hosts were getting into their rhythm, but were faced with an imposing back line which included former Robin Chris McGrath.

Jack Taylor found space but shot over and, on the half-hour, James Regan drove just wide from distance for the Bees as a goal seemed imminent.

Just on the break, Taylor’s flicked header was held by Hutchings and the teams went in goalless despite a lively first 45 minutes.

Bridport were out of the blocks first and Martin’s free-kick from 30 yards out rattled the crossbar; then Richard Hebditch put Clark in but Jake Viney was equal to it. 

Just on the hour, Dave Thorne crashed a 25-yard bullet against the post and Taylor’s effort from the rebound was saved.

This was a huge let-off for the visitors but, moments later, they shot themselves in the foot when Martin was dismissed and Bridgwater struck as Ellis’ header beat Hutchings with 15 minutes left.

Bridport were not finished and, after Regan’s free-kick was saved on the line, Salter almost rescued a point but his downward header was scooped away at full stretch by Viney.

The Robins go third, three points behind leaders Willand Rovers, after seven wins from their first 10 matches.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne (Charlie White 83), Kurt Robinson (c), Josh White, Tom Ellis, Mark Armstrong, Mike Duffy (Jake Brown 73), Sam Towler, Harry Horton (Ian Bellinger 78), Jake Llewellyn, Jack Taylor.
Subs not used: Cameron Birch, Matt Redman.

This Wednesday sees Bridgwater host Wells City in the Somerset Premier Cup (ko 7.45pm); on Saturday they go to Shepton Mallet for their next league encounter (ko 3pm).