Words by Ben Edwards. Photographs by Dom Taylor/Echo Media Group.
The Seasiders hosted West Yorkshire outfit Ossett at Queensgate – but the away team weren’t able to leave with all three points despite being 2-0 up after just 10 minutes.
The Seasiders made two changes to the starting lineup, both in midfield, as Will Taylor made his first start for the club, and Jack Griffin returned from suspension.
New signing Joe Norton was announced to the Queensgate faithful before kick off, the striker joining from Beverley Town and was named on the bench.
Ossett opened the scoring just three minutes in. Matty Plummer’s wayward pass was intercepted by Craig Nelthorpe, whose effort beat James Hitchcock in the Bridlington goal.
The visitors continued their sharp start to the game, as after 10 minutes the Bridlington defence allowed Joe Stacey space to run without closing him down. The winger took advantage of this, and had the finish to match to give Ossett the perfect start to the game.
Bridlington then grew into the game before pulling one back just before the half-hour mark. Ali Aydemir picked up the ball, ran into the penalty area and finished well into the left corner on his weaker left foot.
The home side took a big blow just before half time, as captain Plummer was forced off with a groin injury and was replaced by Harry Webster as the sides went into the break with Ossett 2-1 ahead.
Right-back Benn Lewis almost found the equaliser two minutes into his second half, but his low strike flew just wide of the left post.
With 56 minutes on the clock, a similar effort from Lewis was this time deflected by Stacey into his own net to give the Seasiders a deserved equaliser.
Town looked the most likely team to score towards the end of the game. With Andy Norfolk scuffing a great chance one-on-one – an Ossett defender clearing a shot off the line and Norton hitting his shot at the keeper having come off the bench.
The winner didn’t come, however, and both sides earned a point each with honours even.
