Taunton CS returned home to Heathfield for the return leg against Bridgwater D following a tough fought game with East Devon the previous week. TCS lined up with a strong team and had the early chances of the game forcing some fine saves from the Bridgwater goalkeeper. Reminiscent of the tough match earlier in the season, Bridgwater fought back and created chances of their own drawing on all the skill and talent of New Zealand bound Dan Adams and the rest of the TCS back line.

It was TCS who eventually broke the deadlock from a scrappy short corner as a battling Jack Daly eventually tapped the ball past the keeper and several defenders on the line. (Might have been Bill, my memory is hazy). Bridgwater soon restored parity as a fine move down the right flank saw the ball placed precisely across the goal and driven into the net by Jack Dillon and the sides finished the first half level at 1 - 1.

A quick lift and a change of formation from the skipper saw Khonar himself taking up a place in the middle of defence and Alex Bartram moving to the left wing. It was a tactical move that changed the game and TCS stepped up their play greatly. Jason Harris put TCS in front through some excellent solo play keeping the ball from a free hit all the way to the top of the D before striking into the bottom corner of the goal. Another was not too far behind as Sam Woodland latched on to a bobbling ball a poked in at the right hand post.

Some excellent forward pressing from Dan Adams found Carter in space and, while it did cross his mind to shoot, he made the right choice in passing to Bill Horner who was unmarked on the left hand post for a free tap in. The hammer made it a brace following some fumbling in the D that saw a pathetic reverse sweep from Carter being stopped on the line by a fine defensive effort only to gift the ball to a goal hanging, poaching Horner who played the ball into the back of the same defender's stick and into the net.

Some excellent build up play from Horner and Bartram on the left found Carter in the D who heard the faint screams of his skipper from 5 yards away and decided to offload the ball and watch in awe as the new centre back finished with all the class he failed to show as a striker... this season. At 6-1 Bridgwater rallied again and earned a succession of short corners drawing saves from Mike Whitman, Dan Adams and Khhonner Neile on the line as a very strong defensive performance was heavily tested.

Adding to the pressure was TCS card collector Jason Harris picking up his 14th card of the season by drilling the ball away 2 seconds before the whistle went following some excellent football skills. When back up to the full compliment TCS made one last push and , following some amazing keeping and defending, Carter saw his third shot of the day cleared off the line however some very sporting play from Steve Morrish gave TCS a penalty flick. Carter fought off a very sad pouty look from Jason Harris to resume flicking duties and trickled a poor effort just past the outstretched foot of the Bridgy keeper and in for a final score of 7-1.

MOTM went to Alex Bartram who has shown great attacking talent over the past weeks to combine with sound defensive play. DOTD went to Jason for another card. A great result for TCS A but a special mention should go to the young keeper from Bridgwater who played phenomenally through the game making some fine reaction saves.

Lastly a special mention to Dan Adams who leaves for an exciting adventure in New Zealand on January 31st. Over the past few years we have seen Dan grow from moody teen to moody adult and this year a mature focussed young man. You will be missed by us all for the last few games of the season and we wish you all the best for your travels. Stay safe Angry Dan - try not to punch any sheep while you are out there!