Historic Sussex Cup Night as Bridges Slay Giants Horsham

Three Bridges produced one of the greatest nights in the club’s history as they stunned National League South high-flyers Horsham FC to reach the Sussex Senior Cup semi-finals.

Facing opponents sitting two divisions higher and chasing a third successive Sussex Cup triumph, Jamie Crellin’s side rose superbly to the occasion at Jubilee Field. After a thrilling 1–1 draw over 90 minutes, Bridges held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4–1 to send the home crowd into raptures.

From the opening whistle, Bridges were completely unfazed by the scale of the task. Playing their trademark slick, confident football, the hosts took the game to the reigning champions and created the better chances in the first half. Charlie Bennett, Kevin Rivera and Reece Hallard all went close, with Hallard unlucky to see his effort crash back off the post.

Despite Bridges’ dominance, it was Horsham who struck first. Against the run of play, Ola Ogunwamide broke forward on the counter and finished emphatically, firing low past Sam Roberts to give the visitors a 1–0 lead heading into the break. Even so, the mood around Jubilee Field remained positive, with Bridges arguably the stronger side.

The equaliser arrived eight minutes after the restart. Hayden Velvick, outstanding throughout, showed great strength and composure to turn his defender before rifling a powerful effort across goal, leaving Horsham’s goalkeeper with no chance and bringing the hosts deservedly level.

The contest remained finely balanced, with chances at both ends. Horsham struck the crossbar on 58 minutes and Luer dragged a shot just wide shortly after, but the final 20 minutes belonged to Three Bridges. Velvick came agonisingly close to a winner, rattling the bar once again as the hosts pushed relentlessly for a historic victory.

With the scores locked at 1–1, the tie was settled by penalties. Charlie Bennett confidently converted the opening kick before Horsham’s Hammond blazed over. Ben Holden made it 2–0, and Sam Roberts then produced a superb save to deny Fenelon and put Bridges firmly in control. Reece Hallard and Barker both scored to make it 3–1, leaving Ade Adeyinka with the chance to seal history. The midfielder stepped up and smashed his penalty into the roof of the net, sparking wild celebrations as Bridges won the shootout 4–1.

The victory writes another remarkable chapter in a season that has already seen Three Bridges open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Isthmian South East League. Attention now turns back to league action, but this unforgettable night will live long in the memory.

The Sussex Cup semi-finals will be played in March at Culver Road, Lancing, with the final scheduled for May at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.