Peacocks Strut Their Stuff - Bridgwater Town vs. Taunton Town

Double stands at Fairfax Park

For the second part of my Somerset double, I traveled 20 minutes on the train to Bridgwater for their match in The Southern League South And West Division match with Taunton Town. I'd seen Bridgwater not too long ago at Swindon Supermarine where I though they were bit unlucky to lose 3-1. The two teams have had very different seasons. Taunton are in second place only behind Hereford and were set for a place in the play offs. Bridgwater however haven't had the best season and are set for a return to The Western League. In the reverse fixture back towards the start of the season, Bridgwater were able to hold Taunton to a draw.  

Kick off at Fairfax Park

The game has a surprising start with Bridgwater taking an early lead. A long ball towards the edge of the box is headed over the keeper to give Bridgwater the lead. This irks Taunton and they go on the attack straight away and when the ball is squared to the forward, his shot hits the post. They do get the equalizer around twenty minutes in from the penalty spot. The ball hits the Bridgwater players arm from close range and the penalty is buried to make it one all. Taunton continue to pile forward with the forward powering through the defense before the Bridgwater keeper blocks his shot. Taunton do complete the turnaround when they beat the offside trap and this time when the ball is squared the ball is hammered in off the bar. They further extended their lead as a corner isn't fully cleared, the forward beats the keeper to ball to head the ball home. Just before half time they make it four. The Bridgwater forward is able to nod ball down for his team mate who gets the fourth goal.

One nil Bridgwater

Bridgwater try to get back into the game at the start of the second but they can't take advantage of a couple of balls that are put into the box. Taunton come close to a fifth when a ball to the back post leads to a scramble where Bridgwater eventually clear it for a corner. From that very corner there is a header that hits the post. They the post again, this time it is after the winger cuts inside and his shot hits the woodwork before the rebound is put well over the bar. Taunton do get their fifth as the attacker gets to the byline and his cross is headed home from close range.

The equalizing Taunton penalty

It takes a bit of time to get to Bridgwater from London. You first have to catch a train to Bristol Temple Meads and change there for a train to Bridgwater which takes around two and half hours, depending on connections. If you elect to stay over night then The Old Vicarage in the town is perfect. Th place itself is pleasant and it is worth having a look around. Pub wise, Vinos Ale And Wine Tavern had a good choice of craft beer. Next to the river, The Fountain Inn has a fairly wide choice of ales. If you want to watch the early kick off then Bunch Of Grapes close to the station does the job. The ground is nearly a half hour walk from the town and the clubhouse had a good selection of lagers. If you have a wait for your train, then The Commercial Inn is conveniently located for a beer.

Taunton attack the end housing their fans