FA Vase Fifth Round: Bridgwater United 2-2 (5-6) Deal Town

BRIDGWATER United were knocked out of the FA Vase after a penalty shootout against Deal Town on Saturday, February 17.

It was a harsh way for the game to be decided after the Robins had dominated the second half to overcome a two-goal deficit. But that's football sometimes.

Bridgwater started Josiah McKayle up front to add some height to the side which saw veteran striker Jack Taylor drop back to the bench and new goalkeeper Luke Purnell made his debut.

The match got off to the worst possible start though for the hosts as in the second minute Deal took the lead when Tom Chapman's shot from 25 yards was deflected over Purnell in goal.

The Robins looked to put that behind them and start keeping possession however it was clear that Deal wanted to strike early.

They kept pressing high up the pitch and were rewarded with a second goal on 20 minutes when Chapman crossed to Rory Smith who fired home.

Almost instantly after that, Deal brought off the goal scorer and striker Smith for another defender in Penny. It was clear their intentions to get ahead and sit deep, proper cup football tactics.

It paid off until half time as Bridgwater were unable to really threaten going forward and going in at 0-2 at the break, the hosts needed a mammoth effort in the second half.

Taylor was subbed on during the break, replacing McKayle up top and, well, the second period was vastly different.

Bridgwater kept the ball far better, and were able to create a number of chances, and in truth should have won the game in normal time.

In the 54th minute, the Deal Town keeper came out to clear the ball, which landed right at the feet of Ben Griffith who took a touch and fired over the wall of defenders from distance to make it 1-2.

Shortly after, a second yellow card was shown to Murray for Deal Town for what was a terrible challenge in truth and Bridgwater had a man advantage for the remaining 30 minutes.

On the 70 minute mark it was 2-2 as Jack Thorne powerfully headed home a pinpoint cross and the comeback was complete.

From here, the Robins were pushing for the winner as Deal Town sat deeper and deeper trying to take it to penalties.

The crowd and the players thought the job was done on 74 minutes as Taylor headed across the goal and in but it was called back for offside. 

That was the last big chance of the game as Deal held on, with the help of some time wasting. Penalties followed.

Purnell saved the first one giving Bridgwater the upper hand however Deal managed to turn things around and win in sudden death.

A true game of two halves, but a tough way to be knocked out for Bridgwater United.

Bridgwater United: Mark Armstrong, Benjamin Griffith, Jake Llewellyn, Thomas Llewellyn, Josiah McKayle, Jay Murray, Joshua Phillips, Luke Purnell, Jason Quick, Jack Thorne, Morgan Williams.

Subs: George King, Jack Taylor, Adam Wright.