Taunton CS A v Bridgwater B

After the disappointment of the 0-3 loss to Mid Somerset the week before Taunton CS A were still looking to kick start their season.

The game started well with Taunton passing the ball well and creating a number of opportunities to threaten the Bridgwater goal. However it was Bridgewater that opened the scoring taking the lead midway through the first half. Taunton were able to level the scores shortly afterwards with Mark Sawyer scoring his first goal of the season as a result of the Bridgwater keep giving him a site of goal from what should have been a near impossible angle.

As in previous weeks Taunton seemed to lose focus and conceded two quick goals before half time. With a two goal deficit to overcome Taunton started the second half strongly with some of the best passing of the season however the final ball and a lack of composure in front of goal meant that the deficit remained. As in the first half it was Bridgwater that took their chances when the game and extended their lead midway through the half. Bridgwater were able to add a fifth through a lifted shot that hit the cross bar and bounced back into the area in front of a Bridgwater player who was able to calmly hit the back board. Bridgwater could have extended their lead further was it not for some last ditch and well timed tackles in defence, most notably two within the space of as many minutes from Will Free.

Despite the score line Taunton did not “roll over”. As Bridgwater looked to add to their tally opportunities arose for Taunton with Josh Stevenson finishing at the back post to score his first goal for the club on his debut. Conor Neal added a third for Taunton minutes before the end through a deflected shot.

The game ended 3 -5 to Bridgwater and Taunton will feel frustrated rather than disappointed as again they were on the losing side of a competitive game of hockey.