MATCH REPORT: BRISLINGTON FC 5–3 BRIDGWATER UNITED

The Foxes hosted the much-fancied Bridgwater United at Ironmould Lane for Matchday 7 of the Jewson Western Premier League. Despite the weather it was great turn out, later to be confirmed the highest attendance on the day across the Western League.

Ash Kington’s side, buoyed by their first league win of the season against fellow strugglers Nailsea & Tickenham in midweek, came into the game hoping to build momentum after a tough start that had seen them lose four and draw one, scoring just twice in the process. And boy, did they deliver!

The visitors, though stuttering themselves, still posed a real attacking threat and included former Foxes Danny Doddimead and Jude McCarthy in their line-up. Having lost to Wellington in midweek, many expected a response from the Robins. Instead, they left humbled once again as the hosts showed heart, grit & determination, and importantly found their shooting boots.

First Half

As the long-awaited rain fell, the Foxes struck within the opening minute. Their first attack brought a penalty, coolly dispatched by new signing Paulo Borges in his home debut.

Barely two minutes later, the lead was doubled. A pinpoint pass from Dan Winstone released Borges, who skipped past the keeper and fired in—helped by a slight deflection—to make it 2–0 inside four minutes.

Bridgwater, shell-shocked, rallied and earned a lifeline on 15 minutes. After Jordan Schofield’s partial punch from a corner caused chaos, Lewis Dunn was adjudged to have handled. George King stepped up to smash home from the spot: 2–1. Game on.

The setback didn’t dent Brislington’s spirit. Kington stung the Robins’ keeper with a skidding free kick, before Schofield produced a fine save to tip over from King. The Foxes kept pressing and, after a spell of corners, Ollie Williams teed up Jayden Radway, whose close-range strike was unfortunately straight at the keeper.

On 29 minutes, they did restore their cushion. Dunn was needlessly pushed in the box, gifting Brislington a second penalty. Borges converted again, this time to the opposite corner, completing his hat-trick and putting the Foxes 3–1 up.

Bridgwater responded quickly, Jason Quick glancing in a header from a corner to make it 3–2. But the Foxes weren’t finished. Just two minutes later, some slick interplay down the right involving Evans, Williams, and Borges ended with Williams’ cut-back for Radway, who finished superbly for his deserved first goal of the campaign.

A breathless half ended with Brislington leading 4–2.

Half-time: Brislington 4–2 Bridgwater United

Second Half

The second half was a tighter affair, both sides creating chances and both keepers standing firm. Ben John denied Evans with a sharp stop, while Schofield made two smart saves to preserve the lead.

On 73 minutes, Bridgwater pulled one back. A long free kick from halfway caused hesitation in the Foxes’ defence, and substitute Ben Bament bundled it in with his first touch to set up a tense finale at 4–3.

Three minutes later, Radway nearly killed the game off, but after a neat one-two with Evans he lifted his finish too high with only the keeper to beat.

Then came the turning point. Doddimead saw red for a petulant slap on Evans, and in the ensuing melee another Bridgwater player was sin-binned, leaving the Robins with nine men.

The Foxes wasted no time capitalising. On 80 minutes, Evans’ curling free kick struck the post, but Oaklan Buck reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and seal the points.

Full Time: Brislington 5–3 Bridgwater United

A dramatic, morale-boosting win for Brislington, who showed grit, quality, and no shortage of attacking flair to down one of the league’s promotion hopefuls.