WEST Somerset College Football Academy became the CAT3 South West Central Division Champions with a 1-0 victory over Bridgwater College.

It was the college’s first-ever season as part of the Association of British Colleges, and victory did not come easy, with a Sam Bruford header after an hour the only difference between the sides.

Bridgwater brought a very strong squad to West Somerset and they pushed hard in the first half, dominating midfield and looking dangerous in attack.

Central midfielders Sam Pound and James Day had to work hard to help their protect their back four, and captain George Dawson proved a rock at the back, winning a lot of headers and protecting keeper Joe Ferris.

Right back Kyle Barnfield had an excellent game, using his pace and agility to stop Bridgwater’s attempts to create down their left wing, and he was a confident outlet for his teammates and helped to start the attack which lead to the goal.

Speedy winger Elliott Scott had another good game and created a couple of chances in the first half which weren’t converted.

Striker Charley Clausen and James Davis linked up well in the first half and in the second half, although Clausen seemed to tire, he was always a target man and held the ball up well.

Manager Steve Jeffs had attempted to keep a similar team to the one which was successful away at Strode two weeks earlier, and his decision to bring on Bruford at half-time was rewarded with high energy and pressing as the young striker caused problems for the Bridgwater defenders.

Once he had converted a Clausen cross from the right, it was backs to the wall for West Somerset, and tRob Vickers and Callum Barnfield were brought on to help tighten up the team defensively and give some relief to running machine James Day.

Bridgwater dominated possession but couldn’t find a way through,and their chances of a comeback faded further when they had a goal was disallowed.

When the final whistle blew the players, watched by more than 150 parents and students, celebrated together and a sense of relief was felt across the pitch.

The academy’s success this season has come as a shock, overturning the odds against the likes of Richard Huish, Weymouth and Bridgwater Colleges.

Manager Steve Jeffs said afterwards: “That was without doubt our best yet toughest victory all season.

“I am so proud of what the boys have achieved in their first season in this league.

“This Bridgwater team had some players in that we were not prepared for, but the boys were unbelievable. They had to react to what was happening in the first half because the Bridgwater team were very strong and very good on the ball.

“The second half we discussed a few things to make it a little easier for the back line and this seemed to help us put the ball in the right areas of the pitch.”

The match ball sponsored by Stuart Tudball, David Bodley and Andrew Furse, and Mr Jeffs said: “For some of the local parents and ex-students to sponsor the match ball was special, and I would like to thank them for not only their kind words and gift but for their support that day.

“West Somerset College Football Academy has grown a lot in the past two years and I hope it can continue to be successful as a Category 2 college team.

“I’ve never had a squad who were so determined. In training sessions, if I said jump they would ask how high. Not once did they complain in the high intensity sessions.

“We also recognised that players were close to burn out following the backlog in fixtures over the winter.

“We put together a five-week plan to make sure players attended recovery sessions after each game as well as extra sessions to recap on tactics, and this paid off, resulting in just one injury since January and winning all of our remaining games.

“We spent a lot of time working on the tactical aspects of our performance and because of this organisation the team has developed a huge amount since September.”