Taunton CS vs Bridgwater
Brushing away the cobwebs!!
“When you’ve got something to prove, there’s nothing greater than a challenge” Terry Bradshaw
And something to prove we did. After the previous weeks humiliating loss Taunton CS took on arch rivals Bridgwater in their second and final pre season friendly. Bridgwater had convincingly defeated Taunton twice in the previous season and although billed as a friendly on paper it was clear that this was a game in which a repeat of the performance against Mid Somerset would not be tolerated.
And what a difference a week makes. Sporting a new formation of four at the back, Taunton were fasted out of the blocks. Some accurate and fast passing created a number of early opportunities on which Taunton were able to capitalise. Two goals, one each from Mark Sawyer and Simon Jones in the first twenty minutes gave the home side a strong lead. However, lack of discipline prevailed and Taunton lost shape allowing Bridgwater to get back in the game by giving the Bridgwater forward to much room at the top of the “D” and allowed Bridgwater to get back on even terms at the half time whistle.
The message at half time was positive – play like we did in the first twenty minutes of the game and we will be fine. The next goal was always going to be crucial and unfortunately in was Bridgwater that struck first taking the lead for the first time in the game. Staring at the possibility of a second pre season friendly defeat Taunton rallied and as the game opened up in the second half were able to not only draw level but score a further two goals to run out eventual 5-3 winners. Second half goals were scored by Curtis Bradley (2) and Sam Witt.
The performance was much improved from the previous week and a number of players put in notable performances in particular man of the match James Coles and new signing Jim Smith in the midfield. Credit must also be given to Julian Brown who stepped between the goal post in the absence (again) of the Chairman; one can only hope he was tied up in meetings negotiating million pound endorsement for us all.
The positive result will give the club a needed boost as they travel to Okehampton on the 28th September in the first league match of the season.
Oh how nice in will be to start the season on 0 points for the first time in three years!!!