Buildbase FA Vase
First round
Bridgwater Town 5, Welton Rovers 0

JACK Taylor’s hat-trick led Bridgwater Town to a comprehensive win over Welton Rovers in the FA Vase on Saturday, writes Mark Hollidge.

This was far from a one-man show from the hosts, as they were a compelling, constructive collective comprising all the good things about the game.

Welton, top of Division 1 of the Western League and unbeaten in all competitions before this game, were expected to present a serious challenge.

But they were blown away, especially in the second half, and rarely caused the Robins any alarms.

Bridgwater looked up for it from the start and took the lead after just two minutes.

Welton goalkeeper Matt Dunk saved Taylor’s powerful shot, but the subsequent corner was bent in by Tom Fry.

The visitors sought a way back into the game, and Dawid Regula scuffed his shot when only a few yards out, and Town made the most of that let-off when Fry scored his second in the 33rd minute.

Nice play from Sam Crumb and Taylor led to Fry receiving the ball on the edge of the box, and he picked out the left-hand corner of the net.

Taylor scored his first two minutes into the second half, as the ball struck Keenan Mastouras’ arm and the Bridgwater striker sent the resulting penalty low to the keeper’s right.

The hosts’ fourth came just after the hour, and was created by the clever and influential Fry.

His curving ball into the area was too good for the defenders but inviting to both Crumb and Taylor; Crumb wasn’t able to make contact with the ball but Taylor’s side-footed half-volley ripped into the top of the net.

Town were looking relentless and number five - with 15 minutes left - sealed a cracking performance.

Tom Ellis’ thumping defensive header cleared the Welton backline, Taylor was onto it, and he rammed the ball to the keeper’s left to seal his hat-trick.

Home keeper Jake Viney didn’t have a save to make until the 79th minute, when Regula finally got one on target, but his save ensured a clean sheet and an emphatic win.

Bridgwater Town: Jake Viney, Dave Thorne, Jordan Greenwood (Jake Llewellyn 63), Mark Armstrong (Mike Duffy 63), George Painter, Tom Ellis, Archie Sturdy, Tom Fry, Sam Crumb, Jack Taylor, Conor Bryant (Olly Morris 63). Attendance: 173.

Bridgwater have been drawn at home to Hellenic League Premier Division side Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the second round of the Vase.

But with England heading into lockdown this week, no date has yet been scheduled for the fixture.