Enjoy the Gaffer’s summary, our match highlights, match report, programme and a couple of special presentations from Saturday’s home defeat versus Saltash United.
The Gaffer’s Summary
“I thought we had opportunities to stretch away from Saltash but they stayed in the game and finished much the stronger. We all need to react to the things we can’t control a little better, although that can be made extremely difficult at times.”
Match Highlights
Match Report
The Bridgers lost their 6 match unbeaten league run as Saltash won at Bodieve Park in an eight goal thriller.
It was the Ashes who were 1st to show their ‘teeth’ as they took a 16th minute lead with an unforunate OG, but the Bridgers were not behind for long.
They were level on 26 minutes when a thumping header from Ben Williams found the back of the net.
A superb through ball from Sam Gerkin found Matt Lloyd in acres of space. His first time shot from 25 yards beat the Ashes keeper and the Bridgers were 2-1 up on 35 minutes.
The Ashes were not belong for long as Reece Thomson leveled the scores on 37 minutes.
HT: Bridgers 2-2 Saltash Utd
The Bridgers had to survive a 5 minute storm at the start of the 2nd half as the Ashes went looking for more goals, but it was the Bridgers who went ahead on 54 minutes when a cross from Jacob Smale saw Matt Lloyd lay the ball back to Sam Gerken who netted the Bridgers third of the game.
Again the Ashes soon leveled matters when Sam Hughes was on hand to knock in a rebound after point blank save by Bridgers keeper Rob Rosevear on 65 minutes, and they forged ahead on 73 minutes when the same player scored the Ashes fourth.
Then came a moment of controversy on 83 minutes when the Referee awarded the Ashes a penalty for a non-existing foul which Dave Barker duly converted (check the match highlights video and see what you think).
There was more controversy on 88 minutes when Lewis Webber was deemed to be reckless in a challenge on an Ashes player and was red carded.
As the game moved into stoppage time, the Bridgers introduced 16 year old Zack O’Connor for his first team debut. It was as Kieran Rowe had left the pitch, he was red carded for something he said to one of the officials.
FT: Bridgers 3-5 Saltash United
Att: 104
MOM: Sam Gerken
Referee: James Long. Assistants: Robin Tucker and Adam Price.
Special Presentations
Jim Bertrand
Before the game Jim Bertrand, who streams our games live on Facebook, was presented a camera stand by the 1st team players who all chipped together to buy this for him. A lovely touch.
Sadly the recent local mobile network issues meant Jim was unable to stream the game live for the 1st time this season!
Sam Gerken – 300th Appearance
Sam Gerken made his 300th Appearance for the Bridgers against the same opponents he made his debut way back in 2010, and we lost that game too (1-4).
He was presented a lovely trophy before the game, massive congratulations Sam.
Matchday Programme
Enjoy our interactive match day programme courtesy of Damian Cudmore by clicking on cover below.
Matchday Squads
