This uninspiring game lacked both quality and desire. For some unknown reason, Bridges seem to play at the level of the opposition and with Eastbourne United languishing in the lower levels of the league table this proved to be not good entertainment.
The first half seemed as if it was going to peter out to a 0-0 with just a few opportunities created by both sides. Connor French set up Brendan Murphy-McVey only for him to shoot the ball wide of the goal. French himself had a good chance but for Eastbourne’s keeper Phil Hawkins pulling off a fine save. Then with just 4 minutes to go, a replica of a pin ball machine took place. The ball went backwards and forwards scrambling the ball in and out of the six yard box with a couple of shots from John Lansdale being blocked but eventually a clearance out was met by JAY CONROY and his header this time avoided everyone in the box and went into the back of the net.
Half time brought an enforced substitution with Bradley Peters replacing the injured Jensen Grant and allowed the influential John Lansdale to move into the centre of the park. His tireless work rate earned him the Man of the Match award, breaking down play and setting up chances.
Substitutes Mitchell Casselman and Jamarie Brissett linked up to give Bridges a 2 goal cushion. Brissett crossed a delightful ball from the wing which MITCHELL CASSELMAN met and headed over the keeper into the net.
As Eastbourne had created little chances themselves it looked like game over. However, in the 78th minute from a corner Bridges' normally reliable keeper Kieron Thorp fumbled a catch and allowed Joel Kalambayi to get one back. Quite where 8 minutes of additional time came from is anyone's guess, but the last few minutes were nerve racking trying to avoid another undeserved equaliser but fortunately it didn’t and Bridges gained all three points.
Aerotron Man of the Match: John Lansdale
Report by Paul Terry
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Haywards Heath Town | 38 | 83 |
2. | Three Bridges | 38 | 82 |
3. | Pagham | 38 | 75 |
4. | Horsham YMCA | 38 | 71 |
5. | Eastbourne Town | 38 | 69 |
6. | Chichester City | 38 | 68 |
7. | Peacehaven & Tels. | 38 | 68 |