An early goal from Chichester proves to be the match winner at Oaklands Park.

Three Bridges were unable to right the wrongs of their last league game when they were defeated 4-3 to VCD Athletic after an early goal from Chichester defender Ryan Davidson.

Bridges were without their three suspended players: Noel Leighton, Byran Villavicencio and Joe Stone. Dan Ferreria, Connor Collcutt and Tad Bromage started in their place as the only three changes from last Saturday’s game.

Bridges had won in the reverse fixture back in October in a game which also finished 1-0. This time out Chichester started brightly and were looking dangerous from the first whistle, their first chance fell to centre-back Lewis Hyde, but he was unable to direct his header under the crossbar.

It did not take the home side long to break the deadlock however, after Mitch Bromage saved a Callum Overton strike. But the goalkeepers save then fell to Ryan Davidson who’s deflected effort wrong footed Bromage in goal.

Bridges looked as though they would reply instantly but Brannon O’Neill was just unable to get on the end of a James Young cross. 21 minutes in Ben Pashley received the first yellow card of the game for foul language directed towards the linesman.

A long-range effort nearly catches out Bromage in goal, but the keeper is just able to get to it, unfortunately the ball falls right into the path of Emmett Dunn who heads the ball just wide.

Lewis Hyde once again went close from a corner but again his header went over the crossbar. Chichester continued to look dangerous up until the half time whistle. Overton and Dunn both went close with Bromage making a good save to keep out the latter.

Bridges started the second half impressively, Dan Perry with the first chance for the travelling side but he cannot find the target with his header.

Soon after Bromage is forced into an impressive double save to stop Chichester from doubling their lead. Ben Bacon is then brought on for Connor Collcutt on the left-hand side. With half an hour left Dunn is booked for a late challenge on Bacon.

From the resulting free-kick Curtis Gayler hits the target but it does not trouble Kieran Magee in goal. A few minutes later, the Bridges captain O’Neill makes an incredible goal line clearance to deny Overton.

Chichester were looking dangerous in the late stages of the game, there was a chance for Ben Mendoza but Dan Ferreria blocks it well.

Kaleem Haitham had two big chances in the last five minutes but both times Bromage is able to keep them out after a busy day in goal for him.

Three Bridges Man of the Match goes to Tad Bromage for a great performance at the back dealing with the constant pressure from the home side.

This Tuesday Bridges are away to Horsham YMCA in the Sussex Senior Cup. On Saturday they are at home to Corinthian in the League.

Mike Murphy