Jewson Western Football League: Barnstaple Town 4-2 Bridgwater United

Bridgwater United have now won one in their last five league games after suffering defeat in North Devon on Saturday (November 30).

The Robins were hoping to turn their form around on their visit to North Devon but were facing a side on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions and who are challenging for top spot in the league.

There were four changes from the side that lost to Buckland Athletic last time out, with Jake Llewellyn, Jamie Price, Morgan Williams and Michael Duffy all coming into the side for Ryan Crawford, Preston Hopwood, Luke Newman and Shomari Sengor.

In a fairly even start, Michael Duffy forced an early corner on seven minutes and three minutes later the Liam Kingston had to make a good save to deny Barnstaple.

On 21 minutes, the in form North Devon side took the lead from a bullet header but Bridgwater were not deterred as from the kick off Llewellyn sent a shot marginally wide from distance.

With 10 minutes to go until half time, Bridgwater United equalised. Kyle Tooze beat a couple of players with a dribble before setting up Hayden Chambers to score.

The Robins thought they had taken the lead three minutes later when Jack Taylor chipped the goalkeeper from 30 yards but it appeared that as the ball was on the line, the referee blew his whistle for a head injury.

Two minutes later, Barnstaple were back in front but in first half stoppage time Bridgwater United equalised when Tooze followed up on a Chambers shot which was initially saved.

It was 2-2 at half time and Bridgwater made the better start in the second half. Brad Pfupa was played in behind the defence and his shot was denied by a defensive challenge.

The game turned on 65 minutes though as former Barnstaple player Kai Fisher was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge. And from the resulting free kick, Brodie Montague scored to make it 3-2.

It could have been worse on 70 minutes but for a triple save from Kingston and at the other end Taylor was again denied by a referee decision. This time it was for offside.

Barnstaple grabbed a fourth goal in stoppage time to seal the win.

The Robins are now 13th in the Western League after 21 games and are next in action against Saltash on Saturday (December 7) away from home.