Toolstation Western League: Bridgwater United 1-1 Saltash United

BRIDGWATER United have dropped to fifth place on the Toolstation Western League Premier Division table after a score draw at the weekend.

The Robins scored first but conceded late on to draw 1-1 with Saltash United at Fairfax Park.

Results elsewhere saw them drop down the table despite not losing the match, but the Bridgwater side will feel it was two points lost in the match.

Bridgwater started the better side and were creating chances in front of a very vocal home crowd in the early exchanges.

Jay Murray, back from playing in the week for Taunton Town in the National League South, was first to cause a threat but his early effort was saved well.

Soon after Josiah McKayle saw an effort go narrowly wide and Bridgwater looked on top for the first knockings of the match.

The opening goal didn't come until the 42nd minute though when he got on the end of a ball to the back post to tap home.

It was a deserved lead for Bridgwater going in to half time however in the second period things went from bad to worse quickly.

Six minutes into the half, Jake Llewellyn was shown his second yellow card and was given his marching orders meaning the Robins had to play 40 minutes with 10 men.

Then in the 65th minute, keeper Luke Purcell was shown a yellow card and Saltash were awarded a penalty for his challenge in the box.

Purcell stood firm though and saved the penalty taken by Jake Curtis comfortably and Bridgwater held on to the lead.

However, not long after that, Purcell went down injured and had to be replaced by Sam Hedges in goal.

The makeshift goalkeeper did make some top saves to keep Bridgwater in front however Saltash smelt blood and were pushing higher up the pitch.

Jack Taylor came on to the pitch to replace McKayle as the clock ticked down and it looked like Bridgwater may just hold on to the three points.

However a Ben Goulty equaliser deep into time added on earned Saltash a point in this scrappy battle at Fairfax Park.

Murray was sin binned after the equalising goal meaning the Robins finished the match with nine players on the pitch and their first choice keeper injured.

Bridgwater are now ten points off league leaders Falmouth Town in the league table and nine off second place Helston Athletic, who have a game in hand on the leaders.

The Robins have four games remaining, all of which are at home, so it would be wrong to rule out automatic promotion just yet, although it now seems unlikely.

First up from those four fixtures is a battle with local rivals Wellington AFC on Tuesday, April 16. Kick off is 7.45pm at Fairfax Park.