On a terribly bumpy pitch, Bridges cruised through comfortably to earn three more precious points against a young enthusiastic Eastbourne outfit. In the end though the experience of the visitors shone through.
Liam Collins and Matt Whitehead both knew when to defend and when to attack in their full back roles, Nathan Koo Boothe won everything in the air whilst Jamie Crellin provided yet another polished captain's performance as the back four dealt with an Eastbourne attack that had one lively forward in Callum Hart, who has shown remarkable loyalty to his team throughout the season but who could surely be playing even better in a challenging side.
Bridges were even able to replace quality players like the outstanding Lee Hall, Nathan Crabb and Ben Bacon with equally fine men in Brannon O'Neill, the rampaging Connor French and Darryl Siaw, the latter two back following suspensions.
It took until the 24th minute for a realistic chance to come either side's way when George Gaskin's half volley was held by Phil Hawkins, but four minutes later Bridges took the lead following a foul on Crabb. Hall looked the favourite to take the free kick but it was WHITEHEAD who sent the ball beyond Hawkins for his second goal of the season.
And after 41 minutes it was Whitehead who made the second as his corner was nudged on by Jensen Grant for GASKIN to head in via a defender.
The half ended with Hart firing just over after a decent run by Tyler O'Callaghan, but it was generally a quiet afternoon for Kieron Thorp in the visitors' goal.
Within two minutes of his introduction to the game, Connor French had added a third whilst the homesters were appealing in vain for a foul. Gaskin was the provider this time and French's finish was exemplary.
The only criticism against Bridges was that they should have added a couple more. Both Crellin and Gaskin had efforts cleared off the line within seconds of each other, whilst O'Neill skied over after a slice from Siaw found its way to him. But Bridges' recent run of success keeps alive their promotion hopes.
Seven games to go!
Aerotron Man of the Match: Matt Whitehead.
Referee: Tom Price
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Haywards Heath Town | 37 | 80 |
2. | Three Bridges | 36 | 78 |
3. | Pagham | 36 | 71 |
4. | Horsham YMCA | 36 | 68 |
5. | Chichester City | 36 | 67 |
6. | Peacehaven & Tels. | 37 | 65 |
7. | Saltdean United | 37 | 65 |