Recap

Three Bridges Bow Out of Sussex Cup Despite Brave Display

Three Bridges bowed out of the Sussex Cup at the first hurdle on Tuesday night as they were beaten 3-0 at home by Worthing, despite a brave performance against the National League outfit.

It is fair to say the draw was unkind to the current holders, with Bridges entering the competition with a rematch of last season’s semi-final, which they won before going on to lift the trophy at the Amex. Worthing’s desire for revenge was evident when the line-ups were announced, with the National League side naming a very strong starting XI.

Bridges, meanwhile, received a massive boost with the return of Scott Malone to the club, with the experienced defender slotting straight into the back line.

The hosts started with purpose and could have taken the lead inside two minutes when Kevin Rivera played Noel Leighton through on goal, only for Worthing goalkeeper Seymour to produce a double save to keep the scores level.

It was Leighton again who went agonisingly close in the 19th minute. Hayden Velvick delivered a superb drilled cross into the six-yard box, finding the unmarked captain, but his header smashed against the crossbar.

Against the run of play, Worthing took the lead three minutes later when captain Joe Cook rose highest from a corner to head past Sam Roberts, with Bridges unable to pick up the defender.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 40th minute through Jordan Young, who picked the ball up in the middle of the park, drove at the Bridges defence before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box which flew past Roberts.

There was still time for Leighton to have another opportunity before the break, but once again Seymour came out on top in the one-on-one, ensuring Worthing went into half-time with a 2-0 lead.

Bridges continued their attacking approach after the interval and looked to have found a route back into the contest in the 52nd minute when Leighton was brought down inside the box by Cook.

The captain stepped up himself from 12 yards, but it was another frustrating moment for the Bridges frontman as Seymour comfortably saved the penalty to complete another victory in their personal battle.

From there, Worthing began to take greater control of proceedings and put the result beyond doubt in the 63rd minute. A cross into the box found Johnson-Fisher, who was on hand to tap home and make it 3-0.

That proved to be the final goal of the evening, with Worthing progressing in the Sussex Cup and continuing their journey towards another appearance at the Amex, while Bridges were left to reflect on what might have been had they taken their early chances.

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for Bridges to take from a performance in which they created several clear opportunities against a strong National League side.

Three Bridges: Roberts, Ferreira, Malone, Bull, J. Hallard, Adeyinka (Irving 68′), Chambers (Bennett 63′), Rivera (Villavicencio 52′), Velvick (Richards 86′),  Wifa, Leighton (C).

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Dakara Wifa

Making his first start for Three Bridges, the young winger showcased his speed, tenacity and decision-making throughout the evening, proving a constant threat and giving Bridges supporters plenty of reasons to be excited about his future.