Toolstation Western League
Premier Division
Bridgwater Town 1, Cribbs 1

BRIDGWATER Town were heading for their second straight defeat at the start of the new season... until a last-gasp own goal handed them a share of the points at home to Cribbs on Tuesday night.

Beaten 2-1 at Brislington on the opening day, the Robins were determined to bounce back in their first home match of the campaign, and made a bright start at Fairfax Park.

Steve Murray set up Finley Wilkinson for a shot which Cribbs goalkeeper Archie Watts tipped over, and the keeper then denied Murray.

Jamie Laird fired into the side netting, but the visitors were starting to grow into the game and should have led at half-time, only for a free header from close range to go straight at home keeper Jake Viney.

The Robins did not heed the warning, as they fell behind in the 50th minute – Cribbs broke down the left and debutant Joe White was able to slide his finish past Viney.

Frustration set in for Bridgwater, with Laird heading just over the bar, and Wilkinson and Harry Horton picking up yellow cards.

It looked like it wouldn't be the hosts' night, especially when Sam Towler saw a shot blocked on the line, only for the own goal to rescue them four minutes into stoppage time.

After a poor second half, it was a point gained for the Robins, but with fellow promotion hopefuls Bitton winning their opening two games (5-1 and 6-2), there is already ground to make up.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne, Finley Wilkinson, Mark Armstrong (c), Jamie Laird, Jake Horsey (Jake Brown 71), Harry Horton (Pat O'Halloran 85), Dave O'Hare (Sam Towler 78), Steve Murray, Jack Taylor, Mike Duffy.
Subs not used: Ross McErlain, Tom Ellis.
Attendance: 237

Bridgwater are back in action this coming Saturday, with an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at home to Hallen (ko 3pm).