A GOAL in the fourth minute of stoppage time robbed Bridgwater of a win against fellow play off hopefuls Paulton last night, writes Eddie Robinson.

Bridgwater had taken the lead with a penalty on 75 minutes when Pepperell sent a long ball through to Young and the striker went down under the challenge of Lane.

Pepperell made no mistake from the spot.

At last Paulton put pressure on the visitors and Manley made two brave saves before a 93rd minute corner was headed home by sub Cooper from close range.

In the aftermath Manley was sent off for speaking out of turn.

Much of the earlier proceedings had been forgettable. Neither set of forwards showed much enterprise, handicapped by the inability of the midfielders to pass the ball accurately.

Bridgwater enjoyed more first half possession but chances were at a premium. Twice Pepperell got to the goal line but his low crosses could not pick out a team-mate.

Paulton’s first chance came on 14 minutes when an alarming gap opened up in the Bridgwater defence and Jeffries was denied by Manley with Price blocking the follow-up.

On 24 minutes Mercieca pushed the ball across to Porter who tried his luck from 25 yards but fired over.

A tame shot from Young after Pepperell had slipped the ball inside gave keeper Phillips an easy save.

The half ended when a midfielder’s mistake enabled Robertson to set up Young who’s on target shot was clutched by Phillips.

Defences continued on top in the second half and it was against the pattern of play that Trowbridge had a shot saved after good work from Porter.

Villas and Pitcher dealt comfortably with the threat of the Paulton forwards who were forced into cul-de-sacs through lack of support.

Paulton were stronger in the tackle and too many Bridgwater players failed to hold the ball up.

Porter brought the best out of Philips with a fierce drive and the keeper was grateful that a goal line clearance from a defender cannoned back into his arms.

Bridgwater appeared to have settled for a goalless draw when they had the bonus of the penalty.

The game opened up and a buccaneering 60-yard run by Laird set up a chance for Mercica who just missed the target before Bridgwater suffered the heartbreak of that late, late equaliser.

Image 1 They shall not score, Paulton even need Rob Claridge deep in defence in the first few minutes..
Image 2 Town on the attack.
Image 3 Nat Pepperell attempts to set Chris Young on the attack.
Image 4 Jamie Laird, Mat Villis and Jamie Price defend against Paultons Lee Marshall.
Image 5 Bridgwater attack, no one could accuse
them of playing for the draw.
Image 6 Mat Pitcher sweeps up..
Image 7 Rovers keeper Kyle Phillips saves at the feet of Young.
Image 8 Pepperell scores with a natty spot kick..
Image 9 How close was that to an own goal..
Image 10 Mercieca, Robertson and Young continue to attack with only minutes to go.