Western League: Bridgwater United 1-1 Ashton and Backwell United

THE cold statistics say that Bridgwater United dropped two more points in the Western League Premier Division following their 1-1 draw at home to Ashton and Backwell United on Saturday, but that barely scratches the surface.

It was an even match truly, early on Ashton and Backwell’s winger Miles Hardidge blazed over from 12 yards and Williams again drove just wide.

Withing seconds of the restart Kitan Jayeoba had found enough room to advance and drive past Viney to level at which point Harry Walker was booked followed by Williams, who himself had been singled out for treatment and when he could not contain his frustration at yet another off the ball incident he was sin-binned and then made way for George King.

What was already simmering on the pitch with a febrile atmosphere off it was ramped up when Hardidge again went in late on Jake Llewellyn and was finally shown a red card which set off the away dug out, whose behaviour should be reported by the referee’s assessor and dealt with accordingly.

United went for the winner and Taylor netted but after an earlier foul and King angled a cross onto Taylor’s head but he was off target which led to the final plays which will have left a sour taste in most at the ground. Jordan Greenwood chased a loose ball in the area, deep into injury time and was cleaned out by Roberts to concede a penalty.

From the awarding of the kick to Taylor having it saved, Ashton and Backwell were shown at least four yellow cards and two more reds for their behaviour and it was a good six minutes before the kick was taken and Taylor was denied.