Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Shepton Mallet 1, Bridgwater Town 0

A back headed Conrad Peck goal from a free-kick 12 minutes from time consigned Bridgwater Town to only their third league defeat of the season at West Shepton on Saturday afternoon after what was a second epic contest in three days for the Robins, writes Kerry Miller.

With both Jack Taylor and Mark Armstrong returning to the line up, Town looked lively and strong in the first half with Steve Murray and Jake Brown tormenting the home defence but finding keeper Jonny Hill in top form.

Dave O’Hare and Murray combined early but they were just blocked at the death before, at the other end, former Hengrove Athletic striker Jack Fillingham was just wide from the edge of the area.

The same man had an effort just deflected then another ex-Hengrove man, Asa White, went close with a diving header.

The Robins were dominating possession but Shepton Mallet looked good on the counter and Peck was twice close to opening the account before Harry Horton shot wide and Murray blazed over either side of the half hour.

Bridgy lost Sam Towler to injury early in the second half but the away support in the crowd were still expecting a goal or two.

Murray was kept out by the impressive Hill then Brown shot over to add to the growing frustration.

Hill then tipped a Ross McErlain free-kick over the bar and Jake Brown hit the post with a header but, as Wednesday night’s two-hour FA Vase slog began to catch up with Bridgy, the home side sensed something was on and Peck flicked the winner over a stranded Jake Viney to cue wild celebrations.

The Robins are next back in cup action on Tuesday evening when they visit Keynsham Town in the Somerset Premier Cup, followed by a third away game on the trot next Saturday when they go to Cribbs for a league game.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne, Finley Wilkinson (Jake Llewellyn 70), Harry Horton (Nathan Byrne 83), Ross McErlain, Mark Armstrong, Sam Towler (Oliver Morris 54), Dave O'Hare, Steve Murray, Jack Taylor, Jake Brown