SWCYL Play-Off: Torquay United U18s 2 – 2 Bridgwater United U18s
(Torquay win 5-3 on penalties)
United’s U18s produced a display full of grit and determination to beat Bridgwater in the South West Counties Youth League Play-Off on Saturday morning.
Having come back from 2-0 down to emerge 3-2 victors over Mangotsfield in the League Cup final two weeks ago, Head Coach Ryan Dickson would have been hoping for a smoother ride to silverware at Exwick Sports Hub this time around, however this encounter was to prove every bit as dramatic.
With both sides finishing level-pegging at the top of the South West Counties Youth League table, it was the first time in the competition’s history that a Play-Off had been required to determine the destination of the league title, and from the first whistle in a closely-fought match, it was soon obvious there would be little to choose between the two sides.
It was the Somerset side that struck first though, as Bridgwater capitalised on a mistake by Torquay goalkeeper Lloyd Marshall to break the deadlock midway through the first period.
The scoreline remained the same until just before the interval, when a well-worked set piece saw parity restored.
After winning a promising free-kick in an attacking position, Jayden Gilbert’s delivery was bang on the money, leaving Harvey Fields to steer home his header and make it all-square at the change of ends.
The second half saw history repeat itself somewhat, as an ambitious long-range effort from United’s opponents paid off, with the ball sneaking its way past Marshall to make it 1-2 with just under half-an-hour to play.
Knowing that time was against them in their pursuit of a second-successive SWCYL title, the Young Gulls’ efforts were repelled time and again, and with only seconds to go, it appeared as the tightest of all title races would be going the way of their opponents.
That was though, discounting the fighting spirit of Dickson’s side, with forward Gilbert again proving the catalyst.
With the clock ticking down, the striker took aim and left fly with a dipping shot from distance that sailed into the back of the net to level the game up at 2-2.
With no extra-time on offer, it was straight to penalties.
After Gilbert fired home his spot-kick, Marshall made amends for his earlier error with an excellent stop to edge his side ahead.
Torquay’s Brandon Quinn, Sam Bishop and Ben Aldous were all successful with their kicks, but with Bridgwater’s nominated players matching them, it all came down to United’s final effort.
Seizing upon the opportunity, Kai Swann duly kept his nerve and slotted his strike past the despairing Bridgwater glovesman, sparking memorable celebrations out on the pitch, and sealing a League & Cup double against the odds.
What a way to cap off a remarkable season.
