Bridgwater Town Reserves beat Premier Division Champions Shirehampton on penalties to clinch the Somerset County League Cup.

Both teams came in to the game on fine form: Bridgwater winning their final 6 league games to clinch 7th position, their highest since 2010 and Shirehampton sealing the league championship by 10 points.

Bridgwater welcomed back experienced striker Chris Young after a recent knee injury and Shirehampton included forwards Matt Groves and George Brimson, both of whom have played the majority of their seasons in the Southern League this year.

Bridgwater started at a rampant pace with their high pressing and energetic style putting Shirehampton on to the back foot. The midfield three of Harry Horton, Andy Venning and Mike Duffy were dominating the middle of the pitch, with Horton particularly impressive with his neat passing and combative style.

Bridgwater's excellent start got what it deserved after only 5 minutes when the Lee Villis burst down the left and his cross found forward Chris Young who converted from close range. Bridgwater didn't rest after going ahead however and had two near misses through Matt Connick and Lee Villis.

15 minutes in and against the run of play Shirehampton were back on level terms when Bridgwater failed to deal with a cross from deep and the ball was bundled home from close range. The goal gave momentum to Shirehampton with Matt Groves looking particularly threatening on the right hand side.  Bridgwater came back in to the game towards the end of the first half and forced a series of corners which Shirehampton defended well.

Bridgwater introduced youngster Owen Sellick at half time after forward Matt Connick was withdrawn following an injury. The opening exchanges of the second half were a close affair as momentum swung back between both teams. In the closing stages of the game Shirehampton's strength and experience began to tell as they dominated territory but were reduced to speculative efforts by a stubborn Bridgwater defence. On 80 minutes however Shirehampton went ahead after Bridgwater were caught on the ball and former Bridgwater Town first team forward George Brimson burst through to calmly slot home.

Bridgwater immediately committed players forward in reaction to falling behind and the game swung from end to end. With a minute left of normal time substitute Owen Sellick beat his man and cut inside to feed Lee Villis who was unceremoniously bundled to the ground when 6 yards out. The referee pointed to the spot and the Shirehampton defender was given a second yellow card. Bridgwater's experienced defender Tyne Govier stepped up to blast home the resultant penalty and take the game in to extra time.

In extra time with a man advantage, Bridgwater dominated possession and territory but Shirehampton remained a threat on the break. As both sides began to tire, neither were able to force many clear cut chances, but in the dying second of the game Shirehampton failed to deal with a ball into the box that broke to Andy Venning but his effort was high and over the bar.

In to penalties and Harry Horton saw his well stuck penalty saved by the Shirehampton keeper before Brimson blazed his penalty over the bar. Both sides then scored their next two penalties with Tyne Govier and Josh White scoring for Bridgwater. Tom Holder then struck home Bridgwater's 4th with a calmly converted shot before Josh Hayward in the Bridgwater goal pulled off a magnificent save. Mike Duffy then stepped up to confidently lash home the winning penalty to spark mass celebrations form the Bridgwater team.

Manager Luke Buckingham said,

“In many ways, this performance epitomises our season. The fighting spirit and character this group of players have shown throughout the year is incredible and we've developed a fantastic team spirit.

“At 2 – 1 with 10 minutes to go most teams would have struggled to get back in the game, but we stuck to our principals and leveled the scores. I'll always judge the success of what we do as a reserve team by how many players we develop and go on to play for the first team and I have no doubt whatsoever that this group of players have a bright future in the game.

“To finish in our highest league position since 2010 and win a cup, with the youngest squad in the clubs history together with zero red cards is a record everyone can be proud of.”