BRIDGWATER Town's New Years' Day match with Clevedon went ahead yesterday with both sides sharing the spoils.

ON a heavy pitch, the game was a midfield slog. Goalmouth action was at a premium with Clevedon’s Stone having the games first shot at goal not until the 21st minute.

Even corners were rare – only four throughout the game. 

Midway through the half Bridgwater pushed Vance further forward to offer support to the isolated MacNab.

Mistakes were understandable on the difficult surface and Veal was unlucky in that his error in failing to control the ball allowed Robbins possession and his great shot screamed into the net on 41 minutes.

Bridgwater made a bright start to the second half and six minutes in, the tireless MacNab squared the ball across the face of goal and surprisingly full back Legg was on the spot to shoot home from ten yards.

Thus encouraged, Bridgwater shaded the second half although a last minute free header from Robbins could have robbed them of a point.

There were a lot of tired legs in the closing stages as both sets of players had battled hard to overcome the conditions.

Bridgwater did well to solve the problems posed by a bigger side on a pitch that nullified their normal passing game.

Tim Legg's strike was cancelled out by Clevedon but joint manager Kevin Milsom said the point was well-earned.

He said: "On an afternoon where we had to play on a pitch that was only fit for water polo, we came away with a very well earned and credible 1-1 draw and were much the better side in the second half - and I don't think anyone could have complained if we had taken all three points.

"It has been a difficult Christmas period which has seen us have two games postponed, both of which were home games, so like all clubs it means lack of finances at a difficult time of the season.

"We know where we are and what can be achieved, but are not going to get carried away.

"We know games will come thick and fast because of postponement so we will take each game as it comes and see where we are at Easter.

"Hopefully, we'll be there or thereabouts and pushing for honours which on current form would be no more than we deserve.

"Fingers crossed for some dry weather and we will see you all at home on Saturday when we welcome Paulton to Fairfax Park and get the first of many New Years wins."

Team: Purnell, Legg, P Veal, Middleton, Simpson, McClennan, Mountford, Fitzpatrick, Vance, Mercieca, MacNab

Unused subs: Chamberlain, Paxton, Govier, C Veal

Bridgwater's next match is scheduled for Saturday when they welcome Paulton Rovers to Fairfax Park for a 3pm kick-off, weather permitting.