Toolstation Western League Premier Division

Bridgwater Town 3, Bridport 2

SAM Towler's 89th-minute winner ensured Bridgwater Town picked up a much-needed victory over Bridport in the Robins' first Saturday home game since October 26.

Back-to-back defeats over the festive period left the Robins well off the pace at the top of the table - with co-manager Dave Pearse admitting in the week promotion was "miles away" - but Towler's double following Jake Llewellyn's penalty saw them overcome the stubborn resistance from their struggling Dorset visitors.

The hosts began the game on top but were denied by several saves from visiting goalkeeper Scott Wells-Burr, who kept out early headers from Mark Armstrong and Jack Taylor.

Lewis Clarke spurned Bridport's best early chance, heading off target from Sam Handyside's cross, and Town were then awarded a penalty when Taylor was bundled over in the area.

The ever-reliable Llewellyn stepped up to break the deadlock but, by half-time, Bridgy were behind as Bridport hit back.

William Gape's header levelled the scores before Declan Cornish's measured shot from 20 yards found the corner to leave the home side shell-shocked.

Wells-Burr was called into action again before the break to keep out Armstrong's volley but he couldn't keep out Towler's effort from 10 yards which made it 2-2 early in the second half.

Luke Manley and Towler had further efforts saved and Tom Ellis' header hit the top of the bar as the hosts poured forward in search of a winner.

Wells-Burr later kept out Dave O'Hare and Oscar Latas but, with the clock ticking down, Towler met Jake Brown's cross with a fine left-footed finish which found the net and earned a morale-boosting win for Town.

Bridgwater are at home again on Tuesday night, when Cadbury Heath are the visitors.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Luke Manley, Fin Wilkinson (Jake Brown 63), Oli Morris, Mark Armstrong, Tom Ellis, Nathan Byrne (Dave O’Hare 60), Sam Towler, Jack Taylor, Noah Coppin (Oscar Latas 63), Jake Llewellyn