BANK HOLIDAY BRILLIANCE AS THREE BRIDGES DEFEAT THE LEADERS

Three Bridges produced a superb performance at the Jubilee Ground on Bank Holiday Monday to beat Isthmian Premier leaders Carshalton Athletic 3–2 and climb out of the relegation places.

Encouraged by an excellent 2–2 draw at Dulwich Hamlet just 48 hours earlier, and with several players beginning to return from the club’s lengthy injury list, Bridges made a dream start against a Carshalton side that arrived having won all five of their previous league matches.

The hosts took the lead after just three minutes following a beautiful team move. Noel Leighton released Hayden Velvick down the right, and Velvick produced a pinpoint cross for Rivera to meet and fire Bridges into an early lead.

The advantage was doubled in the 11th minute, with Bridges once again exploiting the right-hand side. Velvick was again the provider, delivering another excellent ball into the box which this time was met by captain Leighton, making it 2–0.

Carshalton responded almost immediately and reduced the deficit in the 13th minute when a slick attacking move ended with Tope Fandahusi applying the finishing touch to make it 2–1.

Despite the setback, Bridges continued to dominate for large spells and created a succession of chances. Leighton saw an effort blocked off the line before later being unable to convert with the goal at his mercy after struggling to get his feet sorted in time. Ilic then forced a save from the Carshalton goalkeeper with a dangerous free-kick, while Rivera also missed a glorious opportunity to extend the lead.

Bridges went into the break 2–1 ahead, although the scoreline arguably flattered the visitors given the hosts’ dominance. Carshalton had arrived at the Jubilee Ground sitting proudly at the top of the Isthmian Premier table, but it was Bridges who looked the more dangerous side throughout much of the opening 45 minutes.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, with Bridges firmly on top. Carshalton left-back Masampu had struggled to contain Velvick throughout the afternoon and was beaten again, this time by Rivera, before bringing the Bridges winger down inside the penalty area.

Charlie Bennett stepped up from the spot and confidently dispatched the penalty to restore the hosts’ two-goal advantage.

Carshalton’s afternoon then went from bad to worse in the 60th minute when Masampu brought down Rivera again, with the referee producing a second yellow card to reduce the visitors to ten men.

However, Bridges’ numerical advantage lasted just three minutes. Ade Adeyinka was shown two yellow cards during the same passage of play, firstly for a foul on an opponent and then for kicking the ball away, leaving both sides with ten men.

Jamie Crellin responded by freshening up his side, introducing Bryan Villavicencio and Reece Hallard, both returning from injury, as Bridges continued to control the game. Jamie Watson and the ever-reliable Ben Holden were also introduced as the hosts looked to see out the remainder of the match.

Bridges appeared to be heading comfortably towards a deserved victory, but Carshalton were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when the referee pointed to the spot following a debatable challenge inside the area.

Young-Coombes made no mistake from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute to reduce the deficit to 3–2 and set up a nervy finish.

However, Bridges held on to secure a hugely deserved victory and their first league win of the season. The final score did little to reflect the level of dominance shown by the hosts, who produced arguably their best performance of the campaign against a side that had started the day at the summit of the Isthmian Premier.

The victory caps an excellent Bank Holiday double-header for Bridges, who collected four points from their two matches against Dulwich Hamlet and Carshalton. The result also lifts Jamie Crellin’s side out of the relegation places, offering a major boost after a difficult start to life in Step 3 football, which has been heavily disrupted by injuries.

With players now beginning to return to the squad and performances improving, there is a growing feeling that this could be the start of something special for Three Bridges.

🔁 Three Bridges FC Line-up

Starting XI:
Roberts, Ferreira, Malone, Bull, J. Hallard, Adeyinka, Bennett, Rivera, Velvick, Ilic, Leighton (C)

Goalscorers:
Rivera (3), Leighton (11), Bennett (pen, 57)

Substitutes:
Holden (on for Bennett, 73’)
Villavicencio (on for Ilic, 66’)
R. Hallard (on for Leighton, 72’)
Watson (on for Velvick, 86’)

⭐ Player of the Match: Kevin Rivera

Another outstanding performance from the Bridges magician, who continued his unbelievable start to the season with a display that made him almost impossible for Carshalton to contain. Rivera played a key role throughout, scoring the opening goal, winning the penalty for Bridges’ third and repeatedly tormenting the visitors with his pace, dribbling ability and work rate. He also played a major role in the dismissal of Masampu, who struggled to cope with him throughout the afternoon.

🔜 Next Fixture

Friday 4th September – 19:45
FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Three Bridges vs Kingstonian
Jubilee Ground