Local derby triumph pushes Bridges through to next stage of the Isthmian Women’s Cup

By Ellie Duffett 

Bridges Women secured a 1-0 victory after a local derby against neighbours Burgess Hill, taking the team through to the next stages of the Isthmian Women’s Cup. 

Jubilee Field was electric tonight with fans making their support for their teams heard at every stage of the game. 

From kick-off, Bridges held possession, pushing the visitors into a deep defensive line. Bridges reacted quickly on the ball making clear, concise passes, opening opportunities for players like Poppy Chance to take a shot at goal. Chance took her strike from the left side of the box, sending the ball directly into the centre of goal. Unfortunately, for Bridges Burgess Hill’s goalkeeper reacted quickly, catching the ball.  

The majority of the first half of today’s game was played in Burgess Hill’s end with a constant and well-maintained high press from Bridges. A key player to exemplify this was Sophie Chapman, who 19 minutes into the game, took a defender in a 1v1 before making a strong run up and into the box and facing one final 1v1 with a visiting defender. Unfortunately, no goal was made from this excellent attacking play. 

Bridges entered half-time at a goalless tie with Burgess Hill, 0-0. 

In the opening minutes of the second half Chance secured Bridges their well-deserved advantage, taking the lead after picking up a loose ball. The opportunity began with a Bridges corner. As the ball went into goal, Katie Butts jumped trying to meet the pass with her head. No one can keep control, and the ball went loose. Chance immediately reacted and swooped in with a right-footed strike, straight into the back of the net.  

Bridges for the remainder of the second half kept a strong performance with excellent passes in the midfield, opening opportunities to build towards another goal. At 71 minutes, Chance took another shot at goal after receiving the ball at the top of the box. The shot was on target but caught by the visitors’ keeper.  

With this unwavering determination from Bridges, Burgess Hill grew increasingly frustrated, taking any opportunity they could at goal. Goalkeeper Gibbons consistently kept composure shutting down any attempt Burgess Hill could create. 

The final whistle blew cementing Bridges’ 1-0 victory and a well-deserved win for the team who played a dominant and controlled game throughout the 90 minutes. 

Today’s player of the match was Zoe Case who was a key contributor to today’s strength in the midfield. Huge congratulations to Zoe! 

All sights now look ahead to this weekend’s league fixture, another home game on Sunday at Jubilee Field against Hastings United. Kick-off is at 3:30 pm. Come and show your support to the team!