Bridgwater & Taunton Men’s Performance squad began their league campaign with an emphatic 3 – 1 victory at SGS. Team BTC started the game well, competing in every department and more than matching a competent SGS Team.
Harrison Young, making his debut in goal, gave a proficient performance and was very well protected by the back three of Keelan Gunningham, Elliott Calvert and Paul Grant.
SGS scored first, on twenty minutes, a long ball from their keeper bounced outside the penalty area, Grant attempted to head the ball clear but was impeded by the SGS forward. The referee didn’t spot the infringement and the striker went on to slot the ball home from just inside the area.
Team BTC were very determined and began to take control of the game the central midfield three of Olie Hucker, ‘Star man’ Sam Sheldrake and Finn Giblin grabbed the initiative, while Kofi Martin, playing wide on the left, gave their right fullback a torrid time. The equalising goal came from a Martin run down the right, resulting in SGS scrambling a corner. From the corner Ollie Hucker rose like a salmon to head the ball into the SGS net, off the crossbar, this was a well taken, deserved goal.
Bridgwater & Taunton were controlling the game now, Liam Gilbert brought on for Danny Mahoney and the stylish Jack Hobbs were heaping pressure on the SGS back four. James Salt playing right wing back was having a cracking match covering defensive and attacking duties with flare and assurance. The second goal was a fantastic individual effort from Kofi, picking the ball up just inside the SGS half he drove past one defender and engaged another, Kofi’s trickery and sheer determination enabled him to beat two defenders inside the penalty area and smash the ball past the floundering keeper.
The half ended 2 – 1 to Team BTC.
The introduction of Tom Lealand, Jai Nevison and Arthur Greedy early in the second half did not disrupt the pattern of play and commitment from the Bridgwater & Taunton squad. Arthur troubled the SGS defence on numerous occasions and his good run down the right resulted in a throw in. It was Olie Hucker who was the provider of the third, and winning goal, his long throw-in caused panic in the heart of the SGS six yard box, their keeper failed to collect the cross and the ball fell at the feet of Kofi who calmly slotted the ball into the empty net.
There was an ugly incident at the end of the game when Danny Mahoney was badly fouled, resulting in a booking for the SGS player, but this did not distract the squad who should be proud of this performance. They have now set a high standard of performance which Coach Sage is keen for them to replicate.
Star Man/Athlete of the week was Sam Sheldrake thanks to another fantastic performance in central midfield. He showed great determination, commitment, enthusiasm and support for others around him.
