Dartford FC vs Three Bridges

The excitement around Jubilee Field was evident hours before kick-off as supporters gathered to witness what was undoubtedly a historic day for the club. Whatever the result, it was a moment to be enjoyed and cherished, and Bridges gave their supporters plenty to celebrate during an entertaining opening-day encounter.

The visitors were gifted an early opportunity in the 10th minute when a misplaced pass at the back was intercepted, forcing Bridges goalkeeper White to bring down his opponent and receive a yellow card. The incident appeared to settle any early nerves, however, as the hosts quickly grew into the game.

A dream start for Bridges

Six minutes later, Bridges struck first.

A superb cross from Hayden Velvick was deflected by the Dartford goalkeeper before Reece Hallard was brought down inside the area, leaving the referee with no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Up stepped penalty maestro Charlie Bennett, who confidently dispatched from 12 yards to give Bridges a dream start.

The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their advantage from the penalty spot once again. A superb burst forward from South American magician Kevin Rivera in the 32nd minute saw Joe Tennent bring him down inside the box, resulting in Bridges’ second penalty of the afternoon.

Bennett made no mistake from the spot once again, completing his brace and sending Bridges into dreamland at 2–0.

However, Dartford found a way back into the contest just before the interval. In the 45th minute, a moment of inexperience at the back saw Bridges attempt to play their way out of danger, only to lose possession in their own half. Dartford player-manager Ben Greenhalgh was played through on goal and calmly finished to reduce the deficit to 2–1.

Bridges responded immediately and almost restored their two-goal advantage before half-time. Dartford goalkeeper Sandford, formerly of Crawley Town, produced two outstanding saves in quick succession.

First, he denied Hallard from point-blank range after a beautiful Rivera cross before producing a spectacular stop to keep out Sam Bull’s 35-yard effort, which appeared destined for the top corner.

A dramatic second-half turnaround

Bridges went into the interval ahead, but the momentum would dramatically shift after the restart.

The hosts had been the more impressive side in possession, but Dartford’s physical threat remained clear. The game turned on two almost identical moments in the space of just two minutes.

Bridges conceded two free-kicks around 40 yards from goal, and from the resulting deliveries Dartford found the net twice. Joe Tennent headed home in the 62nd minute before Max Fiddes struck just two minutes later to complete a remarkable turnaround and put the visitors 3–2 ahead.

It was a harsh scoreline for Bridges, who had controlled much of the match, but Crellin’s side refused to surrender.

The hosts spent the remainder of the game firmly on the front foot, creating several opportunities as they searched desperately for an equaliser. Dartford defended resolutely, throwing bodies in the way of crosses and efforts as Bridges piled on the pressure.

Rivera continued to be the most dangerous player on the pitch and was at the heart of much of Bridges’ attacking play. A late assault saw the hosts win a succession of corners and long throw-ins as they pushed for a deserved share of the points, but on this occasion lady luck refused to smile on Bridges.

Plenty to build on

The final whistle confirmed a heartbreaking 3–2 defeat, but there were plenty of positives for Crellin and his players to take from an encouraging first-ever performance at Isthmian Premier League level.

Dartford are widely regarded as one of the sides capable of challenging for promotion, and Bridges more than matched their opponents for large periods. A handful of moments of naivety ultimately proved costly, but those experiences will provide a valuable learning curve as the season progresses.

For Bridges, attention now turns to a busy start to life in the Isthmian Premier League, with a trip to league giants Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday evening before another away fixture at Chatham Town on Saturday.

The journey has begun.