Toolstation Western League
Premier Division
Bradford Town 0, Bridgwater Town 0

BRIDGWATER Town drew their third game in succession on Saturday, coming away from Bradford Town with a point after a goalless stalemate.

Bradford had beaten title contenders Westbury United on Boxing Day, and they almost took the lead in this one as a sixth-minute strike from distance came back off the bar, visiting goalkeeper Jake Viney appearing to get a touch to it.

There were few chances in front of goal as the two teams largely cancelled each other out, Josh White seeing a header from Ian Bellinger's free-kick gathered by the home keeper as the teams went into half time at 0-0.

Despite plenty of application and commitment from the players, it was much the same story in the second half, with neither team able to retain possession for long.

The Robins threw on Dave Thorne and Patrick O'Halloran to change things up, but they were grateful for Kurt Robinson's last-ditch tackle and then a clearance off the line as Bradford pushed on.

The final chance fell to the visitors, White's free-kick curling round the wall but tipped wide by keeper Adam Forster, and the sides were destined to finish level.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Chaz White (Dave Thorne 75), Kurt Robinson (c), Lee Begg, Josh White, Josh Gracie (Sam Towler 80), Harry Horton, Jake Brown, Ian Bellinger (Patrick O'Halloran 75), Jake Llewellyn, Jack Taylor. Sub not used: Mark Armstrong.

Bridgwater co-manager Karl Baggaley said: "It was a pleasing point against a decent side, who have turned a corner under new management, and going away to Bradford is always tough.

"I think a point was a fair reflection of the game, and what was pleasing for me was that we battled for 90 minutes, whereas in previous weeks we've only really played for 45 or 50 minutes.

"It was nice to have Josh White back in the back four [for his first start in eight weeks], and it was a solid performance.

"Josh Gracie was promoted from the Reserves and put in a big shift on his Western League debut."

The point keeps Bridgwater third in the table, just ahead of Clevedon Town and Bitton, ahead of a big game with second-placed Westbury at Fairfax Park this coming Saturday (January 5, ko 3pm).

The Robins will be missing Sam Towler through suspension, but will welcome back Tom Ellis, George Painter and Dave Pearse.

Joe Swift, their new signing from Roman Glass St George, has recovered from injury, while Mike Duffy is also on the road to recovery and could feature in the next three to four weeks.

Baggaley added: "We've had reports on Westbury, we know how they play.

"It would be good to start the year with a decent 90-minute performance at home.

"We've got smiles back on faces and we're looking forward to it."