Three Bridges Women are 2026 League Cup finalists

Three Bridges Women have gained their spot in the SCWGFL Challenge Cup final, after an impressive 6-0 win away at Broadbridge Heath.

After coming off the back of last weekend’s away win, and a second cup semi-final qualification, Bridges looked confident in their ability to perform away from home.

It was a trademark start for the team who once again took an early lead, after a free kick taken by Daisy Ratcliffe in the 4^th minute from outside of the box, was struck on target. The goalkeeper jumped for the ball, made contact, but lost her grip. The ball fell back into play, allowing Caitlin Griffin to clear up the mess.

Bridges asserted their dominance from kick-off, forcing Broadbridge Heath having to adapt their play, sitting deep in an effort to strengthen their back line and avoid conceding another goal.

As Bridges entered the second half with the advantage, they continued to show no remorse, even in 1v1 battles.  Pamela McDonnell acted as the Bridges brick wall in defence, having broken down almost every run and opportunity created by the opposition’s attack through her asserted authority and aggression.

This level of control on the ball meant that the Bridges scored within minutes of the second half starting, after Bo Hughes crossed the ball to Amelia Sandys in the box, who took one touch and placed the ball into the back of the net.

The theme of today’s goals was effortless; Bridges maintained constant pressure on Broadbridge Heath, which at times caused chaos within the box. Within the 68^th and 70^th minutes Broadbridge Heath conceded two additional goals, after the goal was left open, creating the perfect opportunity for Martha Behr to roll the ball over the line.

Behr sought yet another opportunity at goal 2 minutes later. A momentary lapse in judgement from the goalkeeper led to a 1v1 with Behr.  Behr turned and took the ball away from the keeper, allowing her to cross it to Lucy Barker. Barker has an open goal and a ball at her feet. With one touch she slotted the ball over the line.

As demonstrated in the first half, Ratcliffe’s powerful strike once again proved indefensible for the opposition’s keeper. Positioned outside of the box, she spotted an opening amongst the sea of blue shirts and struck the ball slicing through the defence and straight into the net. Bridges now had an unbeatable 5-0 advantage.

To seal  Bridges’ place in the final, one last goal was scored after Barker got herself on the end of a rebounded ball. The ball was then crossed to Griffin who effortlessly tapped it into the bottom left corner. The scoreline finishes 6-0 to Bridges.

This result rightfully reserved  Bridges’ place in the final against Horsham Women, with the match  set to take place on the 17^th May at Culver Road, Lancing. However, until the team can reach this fixture, they will look forward to facing Saltdean United in the semi-final of the Sussex Challenge Cup next Sunday, 15^th March, at Jubilee Field.