Calor League South & West

Didcot Town 2, Bridgwater Town 2

BRIDGWATER Town’s first game of 2014 ended in a 2-2 draw as they took a share of the spoils at Didcot, writes Eddie Robinson. Goals from Tom Knighton and Karim Rendall sealed a point for the Robins, who had taken a first half lead.

Several players have left since the club’s last match, with three players making their debuts and only three players having played in half of the games this season – it was a very unfamiliar side that took the field.

Manager Richard Fey started the season with a new team and is now forced to begin the process again.

A fierce wind blew down the pitch and on a bobbly surface, conditions were not ideal.

Facing the wind in the first period, Bridgwater spent most of the time in their own half.

Didcot made the early running and Alexander was soon in the action, making saves from Ofori - whose pace twice saw him get in behind the visitor’s defence.

Bridgwater took the lead on 14 minutes when Bater broke up play in midfield before sending Knighton clear – and the ex-Chippenham man fired a well placed low shot into the far corner.

This proved to be Bridgwater’s only effort on goal in the first half as Didcot sought an equaliser.

Defending set-pieces, Bridgwater were forced into two goal line clearances, as Mills and Ofori missed good chances - Bridgwater reached half-time still holding the lead.

Hopes that Bridgwater would got on top with the wind behind them proved unfounded as neither side could master the conditions.

After a flurry of Didcot pressure they equalised on 58 minutes when Woodley scored with a well-struck free-kick.

Just three minutes later, the hosts took the lead when Mills was quickest to react after Dutton-Black’s effort was blocked.

Although Thomas and Allen were defending well, Bridgwater were running out of steam and were not able to threaten the home goal.

It was therefore a bit of a surprise that they equalised on 78 minutes – Loxton’s deep cross caused confusion in the home defence and Rendell forced the ball home from a few yards out.

In the closing stages, both sides looked for a winner and they were half chances at both ends.

But neither side was able to sneak it and game finished all square.

Bridgwater Town team: Alexander, Loxton, Thomas, Allen, Allward, Gray (Mawford 70), Twooze (O’Connor 85), Bater, Rendall (Faux 79), Knighton, Page.