THREE BRIDGES COMPLETE HISTORIC DOUBLE WITH SUSSEX CUP GLORY AT THE AMEX

Three Bridges wrote the greatest chapter in the club’s 125-year history on Tuesday night as they defeated Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s on penalties at the Amex Stadium to lift the Sussex Senior Cup and complete an unforgettable historic double.

Already crowned Isthmian League South East Division champions for the first time ever, Jamie Crellin’s remarkable side produced another heroic display under the lights to become champions of Sussex and cap a season that will live forever in Three Bridges folklore.

For a club that had never before reached Step 3 football, let alone won the league title, this campaign has shattered every expectation. But against a Brighton side packed full of professional talent and enjoying an outstanding season themselves, Bridges once again refused to be overawed.

From the very first whistle, the underdogs showed they belonged on the biggest stage. Reece Hallard burst in behind the Brighton defence inside two minutes, only to be denied by an offside flag, while Sam Roberts comfortably dealt with an early effort from West at the other end.

Brighton enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the opening half-hour, but Bridges’ relentless pressing, organisation and threat on the counter continually unsettled their opponents.

And then came the breakthrough moment.

In the 31st minute, Bridges struck first — and deservedly so. A beautifully worked move saw Kevin Rivera release Dan Ferreira on the overlap down the right, and the full-back delivered a superb low cross into the box. Reece Hallard arrived perfectly to meet it, and with the aid of the slightest deflection, his effort flew beyond Hall and into the net.

1-0 to Three Bridges at the Amex Stadium.

Who else but Hallard? The prolific winger notched his 33rd goal of a sensational season and sent the travelling Bridges support into delirium.

Buoyed by the opener, Bridges seized control and looked the more likely side to score again before half-time, with Hallard inches away from connecting with another dangerous cutback.

But Brighton demonstrated their quality against the run of play. A swift counter attack released Kofi Shaw in behind the defence, and his dangerous delivery from the left was turned home by Albarus to level the match at 1-1 before the break.

If the scoreline was level, the stands certainly were not. The Bridges faithful turned the Amex into a sea of noise, roaring every tackle, every clearance and every forward run from their side.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Brighton controlled possession, but Bridges looked the more dangerous side whenever they broke forward. Velvick almost created a golden chance in the 56th minute, while Brighton hit the crossbar through a deflected Shaw effort moments later.

Then came a huge let-off for Bridges on 62 minutes. Albarus squared brilliantly for Kasvosve with the goal gaping, only for the Brighton man to somehow put his effort wide — prompting enormous cheers of relief from the amber-and-black contingent.

Noel Leighton was colossal throughout and produced a dominant spell during the latter stages, winning battle after battle and driving Bridges forward with immense determination. Ferdinand simply could not contain the Bridges captain as the non-league side continued to ask questions of their illustrious opponents.

Brighton nearly snatched victory five minutes from time when Ibrahim raced through on goal, but young goalkeeper Sam Roberts produced a magnificent save which diverted the ball onto the crossbar before Sam Bull completed an astonishing acrobatic goal-line clearance to preserve parity.

And so, under the Amex lights, the Sussex Senior Cup Final would be decided by penalties.

Bridges showed nerves of steel.

Bennett coolly converted the first before Ibrahim responded for Brighton. Ben Holden thundered his penalty into the roof of the net, Hallard calmly buried his effort, and Ade Adeyinka confidently dispatched his kick as the shootout remained level heading into sudden death.

Then came the defining moment.

Noel Leighton stepped forward and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Bridges ahead. Up stepped Joe Belmont for Brighton knowing only a goal would keep his side alive.

But Sam Roberts had other ideas.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper guessed correctly, threw himself to his right and produced the save that sealed immortality.

Bedlam erupted around the Amex.

Players sprinted from the halfway line. Supporters exploded into celebration. Three Bridges were Sussex Senior Cup winners for the first time in their history.

League champions. Sussex champions. Double champions.

What this group has achieved simply cannot be overstated.

The road to the final saw Bridges defeat Little Common away from home, demolish Wick FC 10-0, knock out National League South side Horsham on penalties, and then produce a stunning 4-2 victory over National League South champions Worthing at Lancing.

And fittingly, they saved their finest achievement for last.

A season for the ages.

A team for the ages.

Jamie Crellin, his management staff and every single player have etched their names permanently into Three Bridges history.

Three Bridges:

Roberts, Ferreira, Neathey, Bull (Holden 93’), J Hallard, Adeyinka, Rivera (Woollard 75’), Bennett, Velvick (Dupray 82’), R Hallard, Leighton (C)

Unused subs: Villavicencio, Difika

Player of the Match:

Sam Roberts – The 19-year-old goalkeeper delivered a magnificent performance capped by the decisive penalty save. Roberts played every minute of both the league-winning and Sussex Cup-winning campaigns, completing a truly extraordinary season between the sticks.