Evo-Stik Southern League Division One

Sholing 1, Bridgwater Town 0

A GAME that looked to be heading for a score-less draw, was won by the home side with a goal 11 minutes from time, writes Eddie Robinson.

The defenders were on top as goal chances were in short supply.

Andy Robertson and Joe Bushin were restored to the starting line up on a very cold day with a stiff breeze blowing down the ground.

The pitches have now dried out and ball control becomes more difficult on bumpy surfaces.

Joe Bushin set up a first minute chance for Ollie Chamberlain who was fouled by the on-rushing keeper before he got his shot away.

Chamberlain was often the most advanced Bridgwater player with his energetic runs from midfield, on one occasion failing to gather the ball when played in by Tooze.

Only twice in the half did Sholing threaten with the pace of right winger McClean but each time Mason failed to trouble Ben John when on the end of the wingers crosses.

Bridgwater won five first half corners, from one of which Tom Knighton was denied by keeper Brown when latching on to an Alex Grimshaw header.

Although Bridgwater were enjoying the greater possession they seldom got within range of the hosts goal.

For their part Sholing were over-hitting their passes and Nathan Rudge was happy to see the ball travel harmlessly through to John on several occasions as the half finished goal-less.

In the second half with the wind at their backs Bridgwater saw the advantage of long range shots with Bushin and Byrne having attempts from distance, but it was from almost underthe bar that they came closest when Bushin was inches away from heading in a cross from Tooze.

Bridgwater continued to play the neater football but too often the final pass or cross went astray.

For their part Sholing played to their limitations and the game appeared to be drifting to a stalemate when a momentary lapse in concentration by a hitherto untroubled defence allowed substitute Dan Mason to shoot past John after eighty minutes.

With fourteen minutes remaining including stoppage time Town had opportunities to get a deserved equalizer but Tooze sent their best chance a foot the wrong side of the post after bursting forward down the left.

Town: John, Grimshaw, Allward, Allan, Rudge, Robertson (Cpt), Byrne,(McNab 87) Chamberlain,(Welling 66), Knighton, Bushin, Tooze.

Attendance 110