Buckland’s search for a first goal and point of the season goes on after a goal in each half from Jake Llewellyn earned Bridgwater a deserved win at Fairfax Park.
Bridgwater’ new signing Tom Ellis gave the visitors something to think about early on when a long throw was headed over Dom Aplin’s goal by Josh White who soon after made a save from the same player. At the other end, a strong Robins defence was proving a barrier to any Buckland attacks.
With half an hour gone, Bridgwater took the lead that their chances had merited, Jack Taylor’s cross from the right superbly headed across Aplin by Jake Llewellyn and into the right-hand side of the goal. After an Aplin error nearly gifted Dave Pearse a goal, Buckland finally started to make their mark, Richard Groves firing narrowly wide and player-manager Craig Duff’s low shot saved by Jake Viney.
After a positive start to the second half by the home side, Ellis once again caused mayhem with his throwing prowess. Buckland couldn’t clear the ball and Llewellyn found a gap in the packed box to dispatch a fine half-volley to give Aplin no chance. Bridgwater had several good chances to put the game out of sight, Aplin recovering well to deny Taylor a goal following a defensive mix-up, Sam Towler volleying wide from Llewellyn’s cross and substitute Jake Brown testing Aplin’s gloves. A tame Groves effort was all the Yellows could offer as the game became scrappy and bad-tempered towards its end. In a bizarre end to the game, new signing Ian Bellinger came on in the final minute only to be immediately dismissed for an incident as Bridgwater attempted to add a third from a corner.
Buckland take a break from their league campaign as they entertain Pewsey Vale in the FA Cup on Saturday, hoping to end their run of Extra Preliminary Round exits.
Bridgwater: J. Viney, D. Thorne, S. Camper, M. Duffy, T. Ellis, J. White, S. Towler, M. Armstrong, J. Taylor, D. Pearse, J. Llewellyn, K. Robinson, I. Bellinger, J. Brown.
Buckland: D. Aplin, J. Richards, T. Down, C. Duff, D. Harrison, L. Head (c), M. Newbould, D. Griffiths, L. Afful, R. Groves, C. Johansen, L. Tasker, M. Roberts, R. Bush.