Verde Recreo Men’s League Central 1

Taunton Vale B 0, Bridgwater 7

BRIDGWATER men’s 1sts had the result of the day, with a stunning win over neighbours Taunton Vale.

The visitors flew out of the blocks, hitting the post in the second minute and having a goal ruled out in the fourth.

But soon they did break the deadlock, Will Pope sending a swept reverse strike going through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Bridgwater were dominant, and after a good move involving Jordan Rawles and Tom Stacey set up Todd Barrett to make it 2-0, Pope completed his hat-trick to put his side four up at the break.

There was no letting up after half-time, Bridgwater grabbing their fifth through Sam Uminski, before Paul Tilley pulled off an exquisite flick into the top corner and captain Duncan Morrish completed the rout from a short corner.

This was a huge win for second-placed Bridgwater ahead of this coming Saturday’s game at home to third-placed Westbury & UB A (2.15pm start) – a match which could make or break their promotion bid.

Man of the match: Will Pope

West Central 1

Bridgwater A 3, Clifton Robinsons D 1

THE 2nd XI hosted Clifton Robinsons on Saturday, with only the bare 11 including a guest appearance from Cam Birch.

The game had a scrappy start, but Tom Lott opened the scoring for the hosts following a short corner.

Bridgwater then grabbed a second, again from a short corner, as Paul Bond’s strike was deflected on by Alex Howe and volleyed into the roof of the net by Dom Court.

The visitors pulled one back before half-time on the breakaway to leave the game in the balance.

But the decisive goal came from Lott, who broke one-on-one with the keeper, waited for him to go down early and lifted the ball over him to score.

The result leaves Bridgwater fourth in the league, ahead of a trip to fifth-placed Shepton Mallet A.

The West Central 2 match between Weston-super-Mare A and Bridgwater B was abandoned after 16 minutes, with no result.

South East 2

Bridgwater C 1, North Devon A 7

SECOND-BOTTOM Bridgwater C were on a damage limitation mission against league leaders North Devon A.

They put in a good shift against tough opponents, and despite the scoreline this was one of their better performances of late.

Club legend Steve Turvey bagged the goal, with Phil Pyke man of the match.

West Clubs Women’s League Central Division

Bridgwater 1, Team Bath Buccaneers 3rds 3

BRIDGWATER ladies 1sts remain second bottom in the table after a home defeat to third-placed Bath Buccs on Saturday.

The hosts began well, pressing their opponents, but fell behind to a deflected strike.

Bridgwater continued to attack, with shots going narrowly wide or being saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

It was 2-0 when a loose pass was intercepted and punished, but the home side’s response was immediate – a well-worked short corner finished off by Millie Burridge.

The hosts dominated the second half but were frustrated time and again by the Buccs keeper, and a third goal for the visitors secured them the points.

Bridgwater go to mid-table Weston-super-Mare this Saturday (11.30am), knowing that a win is within their grasp.

Sedgemoor Division 2

ECVH 2nds 3, Bridgwater 2nds 0

THE ladies 2nds came unstuck against one of their rivals for third place, despite resilient defence throughout the first half.

ECVH managed to grab a goal just before the interval, and although the visitors showed more attacking intent in the second half, two more goals earned the hosts the points.

Player of the match: Holly Hobbs