Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Bridlington Town 4-2 Bottesford Town
Young midfielder Jamie Forrester scored a wonderful goal in Bridlington’s 4-2 win over Bottesford
Title-chasing Bridlington Town surrendered an early two-goal lead, but still came out on in the second half.
Chris Jenkinson and Jamie Forrester had seemingly set Brid on their way to another high-scoring victory until Bottesford hit back and levelled the scores before half-time.
Fortunately Brid were able to rely on deadly duo Joel Sutton and Brett Agnew to pull them out of the fire with the winning goals in the second half.
After the the defeat and draw with Pickering Town over Christmas, it was a must-win match for Brid. The gap between them and leaders Cleethorpes Town remains sizeable so Brid cannot afford to drop points from now on.
That message must have been ringing in the ears of the Brid players as their start was excellent. Jenkinson’s desire to meet Jack Walters’ corner for the opener typified this. The defender leaped with real purpose and the power in the header had Bottesford goalkeeper Leigh Herrick rooted to the spot.
The veteran stopper was left in the same position just a few moves later when Forrester scored the goal of the day. The young starlet was given acres of space, but the left-foot strike from distance was absolutely magnificent and deserved the loud appreciation it received when the ball found Herrick’s left-hand top corner.
Brid then took their foot off the accelerator. Danny Boulton rounded goalkeeper James Hitchcock for Bottesford’s opener. Then as half-time approached, a Oliver Donald header got the visitors back on even footing.
After a fairly uneventful beginning to the second half, Brid took control back after the hour. Sutton broke the offside trap down the right flank and placed his side back in front with a driven finish.
Any fears of a third Bottesford equaliser were erased with 15 minutes to go. Andy Norfolk’s pass across the penalty area found Agnew and the striker was able to pick his spot to seal a vital win for Brid.
Andy Norfolk (left) and captain Tom Fleming in action during Bridlington’s 4-2 win over Bottesford
Bridlington’s Alex Knaggs closes down Paul Grimes
Nicky McNamara controls the ball
Bridlington striker Brett Agnew sealed his side’s win
What They Said
Bridlington Town manager Curtis Woodhouse
The Teams
Bridlington Town: Hitchcock, Knaggs, Walters, McNamara, Jenkinson, Forrester (Lewis 80), Norfolk (Blakeston 86), Fleming (captain), Agnew, Sutton, Waudby (Taylor 67). Subs unused: Bedford, Janney.
Bottesford Town: Herrick, Fisher, Thompson, Ridley (captain), Donald, Newell, Gibbons, Nichol, Boulton, Grimes, Broughton. Subs: Barlow, Spall, Rob-Jones.
Who Was In Charge
Neil Guest (8/10)
Bridlington fans were relieved their latest referee keep his cards in his pocket after the card-fests with Pickering Town over Christmas. Experienced official Guest had complete control on proceedings and officiated in the right spirit.
How Many Were There
147