Verde Recreo Men's League

Central 1

Bridgwater 4, Royal Wootton Bassett 1

BRIDGWATER men's 1st XI showed no rustiness after having a week off, beating mid-table side Royal Wootton Bassett.

It was the home side who took the lead early on, going ahead through a calm strike from Will Pope.

Much of the first half was spent on the back foot, but Paul Tilley’s goal from a short corner put his side two up against the run of play and in a strong position at half time.

In the half-time team talk, the discussion was about making sure Bridgwater scored the next goal, and as quickly as possible.

Striker Jordan Rawles took that very literally, deftly touching home through the keeper’s legs after 30 seconds.

Bridgwater were much more themselves and hugely dominant in the second half; despite conceding from a short corner, Todd Barrett’s strike ensured a 4-1 home win.

Player of the match: Paul Tilley

West Central 1

Westbury & UB C 2, Bridgwater A 3

THE men's 2nds were back in Bristol again this week, and after witnessing a massive hailstorm from the dressing room Bridgwater were not looking forward to a wet game.

The game got underway under some sunshine, and the visitors started the game off by creating some good chances only to miss them.

Against the run of play Westbury won a short corner and with a well-placed strike went a goal up.

A few words from an opposition player fired up Tom Lott and he took it upon himself to take the whole Westbury team on from the centre of the pitch to win a short corner.

From the corner, Lott's shot was stopped on the line by a defender's foot, giving Bridgwater a penalty flick which was calmly finished by Lott.

Now the pressure was starting to show, and quickly Bridgwater scored a second goal, this time from Alex Howe, who found himself on the back post after Paul Bond's cross-shot was deflected past the keeper.

With the rain still staying away the second half did not go as planned for the visitors as Westbury got a second wind and equalised.

But as the hosts tired, the gaps started to show and after some sloppy defending and some quick move and pass routines, the chances started coming again.

Bond managed to beat the onrushing keeper, putting Bridgwater back into the lead for the second time, and they held on to the narrow lead after a great last-minute save from keeper Durkin.

It was not Bridgwater's best performance but it they ground out a win, moving them up to fourth in the table.

West Central 2

Old Bristolians C 5, Bridgwater B 2

THE 3rd XI's promotion hopes took a hit this week, losing to a combative Old Bristolians side who now replace them in second place.

Bridgwater looked strong through the early exchanges of the game, but found themselves on the receiving end of a few very strong tackles, and despite showing some grit and determination of their own, could not win the fight.

The visitors found it hard to get the ball out of defence, but when they got their chances, they were well taken.

The goals were scored by returning striker Rich Payne and man of the match Conrad Butt.

South East 2

Bridgwater C 1, Sidmouth & Ottery C 4

BRIDGWATER came away from their game against Sidmouth & Ottery disappointed they couldn’t grab a positive result.

The game started evenly and, for the most part, stayed that way throughout.

The hosts had a few early chances of their own, but it was Sidmouth who grabbed the opener.

Striker Harvey Larcombe then pulled off a glorious deflection that unfortunately hit the outside of the post and went wide.

Bridgwater were 2-0 down at half time, and although they started the second half strongly, they couldn’t pull one back, instead leaking another goal.

Conor Neal scored with a stunning reverse strike into the top corner, but Sidmouth netted again to finish the game off.

South East 3

Taunton Vale E 2, Bridgwater D 1

LEAGUE leaders Taunton Vale had a lot more experience and having 15 players to rotate they were always going to be a fresher team.

Bridgwater were under the cosh from the off, with Brad Palmer very busy in goal.

Will Marchen-Sanders made some great tackles, but the visiting midfield found themselves overrun.

Bridgwater fell behind, but Steve Miller and Ted Kelly were causing problems up front and forced several saves from the Vale keeper.

The visitors made a fast start to the second half, only to concede again from a short corner, and they were forced to defend solidly with men in the sin bin.

Palmer was immense between the posts, and a short corner routine at the other end led to Ted Kelly scoring.

Kieran Barrow almost snuck an equaliser in at the death, but Vale came away with the win.

Player of the match: Steve Miller

West Clubs Women's League

Sedgemoor Division 2

Bridgwater 2nds 3, Weston-super-Mare 3rds 0

THE Ladies 2nds went on the attack from the start against Weston this week.

Bridgwater enjoyed a lot of possession in the first half but were frustrated by the visiting defence in the opening 20 minutes.

Finally the breakthrough came, Jess Shobbrook slotting the ball in from a pass across the D, and Bridgwater went into half time 1-0 up.

The hosts stepped up their game in the second half with some good possession hockey, and Shobbrook completed her hat-trick to seal the win for Bridgwater.

Player of the match: Niamh Dillon

Somerset Cup

Yeovil 7, Bridgwater 2

BRIDGWATER ladies 1st XI played away to Yeovil in the semi-final of the Somerset Cup on Saturday.

The team started strongly against well-drilled opponents but ended up on the wrong side of a tough scoreline.

Bridgwater managed to score in the first half from an excellent pass from Charlotte East to Willow Hobbs, who slotted the ball home.

Their second goal came in the second half, from a well-struck sweep from Becca Tasker.

The visitors did well against tough opponents from the league above and, despite the scoreline, can be very proud of their efforts.