Les Phillips (Western League) Cup Quarter Final
Fairfax Park, Bridgwater
Admission: £8.00
Programme: £2.00
Attendance: TBC
With my latest business trip taking me down to the West Country this week, there was not a great deal of choice for this evening's fare, which was further whittled down when persistent rain during the afternoon caused other games to be postponed. Fortunately, I had settled on this game anyway, an interesting looking cup tie between two of the stronger sides in the Western League Premier Division this season, and I had heard good things about Bridgwater United both on and off the pitch.
Fairfax Park is situated to the east of Bridgwater, adjacent to the town's rugby club, as well as a college, whose car park is much more than ample for visitors to the football. Entrnace is gained through a turnstile block, with printed programmes available, before making one's way past raffle sellers and out into one corner of the ground. Immediately to the left is a portakabin hosting the clubhouse, and next door is a further portakabin housing hospitality. To the right are further portakabins, housing the changing rooms and a cafe. A fairly large all-seater stand straddles the half way line on one side, with good elevation to the seater area and between rows ensuring excellent unobstructed views of the action, and this evening its good cover provided very welcome shelter from the increasingl wet and windy conditions. A shorter but longer modern metallic stands is located on the opposite side, while sheltered standing areas are provided behind both goals. A printed programme was welcome, and as well as being of decent quality with plenty of reading material a nice touch was the provision of a plastic sleeve bag to keep the programme dry.
This game would be between two clubs pushing hard for a promotion play-off place at least in the league, with Bridgwater up in third place in the Western League Premier Division, following 15 wins and a draw from their 22 league games while Barnstaple Town were in sixth place, following eleven wins and seven draws from their 20 league games.This would be the start of a big week in cup action for Bridgwater, with a home tie in the FA Vase 5th Round on Saturday to look forward to.
A match report can be read by clicking here , also copied and pasted below.
Les Phillips Cup Quarter Final: Bridgwater United 1-4 Barnstaple Town
By Bob Buckingham
After five consecutive away trips ‘The Robins’ finally made a return to Fairfax Park looking to progress to the semi-finals of the Les Phillips Cup, writes Bob Buckingham.
Despite the adverse weather conditions the Grounds Team had, once again, produced an excellent playing surface conducive to the style of football the home supporters had become accustomed this season.
What followed, was a particularly uneventful first 45 minutes with neither side able to create much in the way of goal scoring opportunities. This was in total contrast to the events at Mill Road back in August when Barum led 3-1 at the break, only to be pegged back to 4-4 for the Robins only draw of the season so far.
So, what might be expected in the second period? The visitors had left 5 regular starters on the bench, with United doing likewise with Phillips, Newman, Quick, Williams and Wright getting starts.
The second period began in pouring rain with, once again, little to choose between the sides. However, with an hour gone, all was about to change as Billy Tucker and Tor Swann entered the fray and made an immediate impact. On 66 minutes a well weighted ball reached Charlie Prentice to the right of the area whose unapposed cross was headed home by Montague. 0-1.
Immediately from the kick-off, a through ball found the speedy Harvey Dorothy who poked the ball home to double the visitors lead. 0-2.
Despite this double blow, there encouraging signs that United might yet respond effectively. Within 5 minutes a well worked attack saw the marauding Adam Wright brought down in the box, much to the displeasure of substitute Matt Bye who was sent for an early shower for dissent. Wright converted with ease. 1-2.
With the deficit halved and 15 minutes remaining, here was an opportunity for United to get back on terms. The visitors clearly had other ideas as they responded positively, upping the tempo, and creating havoc in the home defence. Within a 90 second spell, it was that man Dorothy who twice broke clear to stroke the ball past the exposed Isaac Finch to put his side in the semi-final.
Not content with a three-goal advantage, Barum continued to press forward looking for further reward. Once again it was Dorothy causing mayhem as he reached the edge of the area only to be brought down by Finch who was immediately sent off. Jason Quick donned the gloves and confidently saw out the remaining minutes.
Very clearly, the concession of 4 second half goals in successive games is cause for concern as United continue to chase their ambition to reach the quarter finals of the Isuzu FA Vase for the first time and ensure, as a minimum, a top 5 place in the Western League Premier.
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