Three Bridges Women reach the semi-finals of the Sussex County Challenge Cup

By Ellie Duffett

Three Bridges Women have advanced to the semi-finals of the Sussex County Challenge Cup after a 1-2 victory over Hastings United Women.

The match was played away at Hastings on The Pilot Field pitch which is far from the luxury of Three Bridges’ 3G facility, with moments of the game leaving players struggling to stay standing.

Bridges started the match with dominance and the style of play we have seen in recent fixtures. This was evidently effective after the Bridges scored their first goal after only 7 minutes of play.

The advantage came from a free kick taken by Amelia Sandys who struck the ball on target from outside of the box. The goalkeeper looked to grab the ball but fumbled her grip on it. The ball was loose and dangerously close to the open goal. Before a Hastings United defender could secure the ball, Daisy Ratcliffe knocked the ball over the line, making it 1-0 to Three Bridges.

During the first half, the Bridges gave the home side limited time within their box thanks to multiple successes at 1v1’s by Pamela McDonnell, which allowed her to play progressive passes up the pitch.

Heading into the second half, Bridges had kept their lead with goalkeeper Jennifer Rajnikanth catching any chance Hastings had at goal. However, after half-time discussions, Hastings came back fighting with a newfound energy equalising the scoreline in the opening of the second-half.

The pressure of an equaliser did not faze Bridges, who kept their composure on the ball, maintaining their calm in pockets of chaos.

This pressure however got to the opposition’s goalkeeper who had a lapse of judgement after trying to stop the ball outside of the box. The ball was woven around her and straight into the open goal by Martha Behr. Before the ball could even roll over the line, there was an eruption amongst the away fans, who knew with minutes left until full-time that this goal had sealed Three Bridges’ place in the semi-finals.

Three Bridges Women have had a fantastic season, booking their place in two cup semi-finals, while maintaining a strong position at the top of the SCWGFL league.

Speaking to Joe Clark about the team’s performance so far this season, he said “the girls have played a nice style of football with no pressure which has led them to be successful with scoring goals” as evidenced by their recent results.

Three Bridges Women will look forward to playing Saltdean United in the semi-finals at home, Jubilee Field, on Sunday 15 March.