Better Late Than Never

Bradford Town have been enjoying a fruitful season since I last visited in pre-season. Currently sitting top of the Western League despite their exploits in the FA Vase meaning they have games in hand over some of the chasing pack. However, their attempts to reach Wembley were dashed at the weekend as they went down 3-1 at home to Leighton Town of the Spartan South Midlands League. Winning all four league games so far this calendar year, Town should remain confident of challenging Plymouth Parkway for promotion to the Southern League, but will find tonight’s opponents – currently 4th – stiff opposition.

Shepton Mallet are 7 points behind their hosts but have played a couple more games, having been knocked out of the FA Vase back in October. They are in a rich vein of form, winning the last 6 matches, going all the way back to a 4-0 win over Odd Down on Boxing Day. While a late push for promotion is not out of the question, it will be a tough ask for the Somerset side with only one automatic promotion spot and only 2nd place entering the play-offs. This should be a great contest!

My third visit to Trowbridge Road, and first League match was preceded by a very necessary pit stop at the Station Place Fish and Chip shop by Bradford-on-Avon train station. Despite the weather forecast suggesting a dry evening was in store, drizzle verging on rain steadily fell as I made my way along the eponymous Trowbridge Road. I was just in time for kick off and found that most of the attendees had already secured their position under cover – choosing between the three available structures that offer shelter. I decided the rain wasn’t sufficiently heavy to warrant joining them.

The game started at a frantic pace – both teams eager to earn a valuable 3 points: Bradford to keep clear of Plymouth Parkway in 2nd, and Shepton looking to close the gap on those above them. After just 5 minutes a deep cross from the right found Tyson Pollard at the far post and he couldn’t miss – his header smashing into the roof of the net from a couple of yards out. The visitors looked to draw level immediately and it took some good defending from the home side to block a dangerous near post cross. The home defence was breached on 10 minutes, though. Aaron Seviour broke free, his initial effort stopped by Town keeper Dan Worton, but Seviour was able to squeeze the ball home at the second attempt. Given this start I was expecting the goals to flow, but as it was both sides seemed to drop off slightly. Lewis Powell drove forward on 17 minutes, going past several Shepton players. The ball finding a team mate whose shot was just wide. Around the half way mark a Bradford Town corner almost found the back of the net directly; keeper Jonny Hill alert to the danger managed to punch away. The home side could and perhaps should have restored the lead but Charlie Walton headed over from 6 yards. Shepton were having rotten luck having to make a couple of substitutions before halftime, but still managed to keep the Bobcats at bay. In first half injury time Bradford’s Dean Griffiths battled into the box and unleashed a ferocious shot which hit the underside of the bar and bounced to safety. Half time ended in parity between the two sides.

The 2nd half was barely 2 minutes old when Hill was called into action again – saving with his feet. After this both teams struggled to find a telling final ball and chances became very few and far between. On the hour mark Hill went into the referee’s notebook in bizarre circumstances. Seemingly happy to settle for a point and taking every opportunity to eat into the remaining minutes, he suffered from a bout of cramp brought on by cleaning his boots against the goalpost as he prepared to take a goal kick. Despite lying prostrate on the ground and being treated for cramp, the ref didn’t hesitate in booking the keeper. Hill recovered in time to thwart Powell who found himself clear through on goal. 10 minutes later and a well worked move involving most of the home attackers ended with Powell not connecting nearly enough – his shot bobbling through to Hill. With 9 minutes to go, Shepton took their turn to hit the bar – continuing their attack despite the home left back writhing in agony on the turf. The crossbar was still shaking as a ruckus developed around the halfway line. Presumably unhappy that the visitors didn’t stop play with Leon Greenland stricken on the ground. The situation was eventually diffused by the referee who ended up issuing 4 yellow cards. A few minutes later a Shepton forward was booked for diving – Worton staying on his feet and the striker throwing himself to the ground in the penalty area. It looked to be the correct decision. Without doubt the moment of the match came with a minute of the 90 remaining. Charlie Maddison, falling backwards, somehow managing to curl a wonderful 20 yard strike into the far corner out of reach of the diving Jonny Hill. The best goal i’ve seen so far this season. Deep into injury time the visitors forced a corner. A mad scramble ensued in the box but Bradford survived and claimed all three points for themselves.

So, Bradford Town stay top – 6 points clear of Plymouth Parkway who still have a pair of games in hand. Shepton Mallet drop to 6th, ten points behind the league leaders.

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