Bridges win

Bridges confirmed their Isthmian League status with a welcome victory after four successive defeats, but Whitehawk are looking nervously over their shoulders following this loss.

Noel Leighton and Gianni Ashley created an early chance for Dan Perry, but his header was just over, but after fourteen minutes Bridges were in front. Brannon O’Neill’s corner kick was the first of a number of excellent deliveries by the Bridges captain, LEIGHTON meeting the ball with his head.

But just three minutes later Whitehawk retorted with a free kick of their own for JAVAUN SPLATT to head home superbly. But Hawks lost Davi Ijaha to injury ten minutes later, and Bridges dominated the rest of the first half. Tad Bromage came close to connecting with another O’Neill free kick, and keeper Nathan Stroomberg-Clarke brilliantly tipped over another Leighton header.

But on the stroke of half time another O’Neill free kick was met by the head of TAD BROMAGE for what proved ultimately to be the winner.

Stroomberg-Clarke made a good low save to deny Leighton again and Joe Stone drove wide after working himself into a good position. In between Tyrese Mthunzi came close for the visitors, but after Whitehawk had used all their substitutes, he suffered an injury and his team had to play on with only ten men. And their task wasn’t being helped by the dominance in the heart of Bridges defence from Tad Bromage and Ryan Brackpool.

Half chances fell before Callum Chesworth drove wide in added time, and whilst the victory was satisfying for Bridges, it could have been kinder on the nerves towards the end.

Credit though to the Whitehawk supporters, who kept behind their team despite their precarious position towards the wrong end of the League table.

Bridges Man of the Match (selected by Match Ball Sponsors OMJ) – Tad Bromage.

Bridges are away to East Grinstead Town on Easter Monday before completing their League season at home to Burgess Hill Town on Saturday (23rd).