BRIDGWATER Town beat the big freeze, the tricky conditions, and Andover at Fairfax Park last Saturday in the only game to survive the arctic conditions in the entire Southern League of three divisions, writes Brian Austin.

Town began the game at pace and were soon into their stride with Pepperell and Price causing early problems down the right for the Andover defence.

Andover came into the game and forced a corner after 23 minutes and Manley, under extreme pressure, held the ball superbly under the bar.

On 29 minutes Thomas set up the busy Steve Orchard who could not get his shot on target. Jamie Howson was next to test the Andover defence but his shot was charged down. Half time arrived with the game goalless and Town had nothing to show for their superiority.

The second half began as the first had ended with Town doing all the attacking and the deadlock was broken in the 48th minute with a superb solo goal by Steve Orchard.

Pepperell then had a great chance to extend their lead, but was foiled by a remarkable save from the agile keeper, who somehow thwarted his effort at point blank range. After 60 minutes Town doubled their lead when Matt Villis rose majestically at the far post to head in Orchards corner. Town then went further ahead with a comical own goal after Villis and Pitcher had caused mayhem in the Andover six-yard box.

Nick McCootie came on in place of Howson for his home debut and showed some nice touches and the hard-pressed Andover defence did well to keep the scoreline respectable.

To Andover’s credit they never gave up trying and never resorted to spoiling tactics and the game was played in a good spirit befitting of the time of year.

This was Town’s first home win since October 13 when they defeated Yate Town. The resulting three points has moved them up the table one place to seventh, just outside the play offs and with games in hand of those around them the new year now looks promising.

Team: Manley, Price, Villis, Pitcher, Laird, Kirk, Orchard, Trowbridge, Pepperell, Howson, Thomas. Subs: McCootie, Beadle, Robertson. Not used: Bailey, Mercieca. Referee Steven Annis.