Toolstation Western League Premier
Street 3, Bridgwater Town 0

BRIDGWATER Town sit 12th in the early Toolstation Western League Premier table after their second loss in three games away to Street, writes Kerry Miller.

Street's win was not as straightforward as it appears, but the pace and finishing power of former Robin Craig Herrod proved the catalyst, as he scored two stunning goals either side of half time.

The visitors made the first chance of the match, with Syd Camper finding room on the left to cross for Steve Holland, who was inches away from connecting.

Street hit back, and after Ross McErlain had his shot saved by Jake Viney, Herrod tested him from a corner and Harry Foster also went close with an effort which brought a corner.

The Robins were under the cosh, and it was little surprise just past the half hour when McErlain’s flick put Herrod through on goal and, having outpaced the defence, he tucked the ball home under Viney, momentarily silencing the large away following.

The away side huffed and puffed, but too often they were guilty of giving away free-kicks which nullified their attacks.

After the break, Foster shot wide for the hosts, before Jack Jenkins saw two efforts blocked following a free-kick at the other end, as the Robins tightened the screw.

Josh White's header was cleared off the line, and the visitors could not profit from the goalmouth scramble that ensued, before Jenkins fired over from 25 yards soon after.

Yet, after those missed chances, Bridgy were hit by a sucker-punch that effectively sealed the deal.

Herrod picked up a loose ball in midfield and from 30 yards out thrashed it into the net off the underside of the bar, for what could already be a contender for goal of the season.

Dave Pearse and Karl Baggaley’s side did not lie down, but despite a double substitution with Callum Ham and Kyle Paine slung on, Street scored their third with 15 minutes left.

Steve Murray was pulled down in the area by Lee Begg, and he slammed home the penalty himself.

Begg should have reduced the arrears soon after, but blazed a volley over from close range, before Street keeper Tom Punchard repelled Camper’s drive from all of 35 yards, and then denied Ham in the final play of the match.

The impressive attendance of 206 were well entertained, as Street maintained their 100 per cent start to the season, while Bridgy will most likely play worse and win games this season as they look to consolidate in the Western League.

***

THIS Saturday sees Bridgwater host Brislington in the FA Cup preliminary round, the match kicking off at 3pm at Fairfax Park.

As well as a place in the next round and prize money being at stake, it's a chance for the Robins to gain revenge for last weekend's defeat to the same opponents.