Bridges Suffer Last-Minute Heartbreak in 5-4 loss

By Ellie Duffett

On Sunday, Bridges faced Montpelier Villa FC for the first time within their new league. Entering the game, only two points separated both teams with Montpelier having played 2 additional matches to the hosts.

In the opening minutes of the game, Bridges looked to take an early lead after a Caitlin Griffin corner could not be shut down by the visitors, this gave Katie Butts an opportunity on goal. The shot goes out for a corner.

Minutes later Jessie Faires made a second attempt for the home side after receiving the ball, Faires made a run into the box before taking a shot. The strike was powerful but unfortunately, it fell onto the side of the net.

In the 17^th minute the visitors gain the advantage after Villa’s Debaes made a breakthrough Bridges defence to slot the ball home. 1-0 for Montpelier Villa.

Debaes 4 minutes later secures the second goal for the visitors after making yet another break through Bridges defence giving her another successful opportunity in front of goal.

Poppy Nicholls, captain for today’s game sealed Bridges their first goal from just inside the box. Nicholls was in acres of space allowing her to covert the opportunity into a goal. Taking no time, she slotted the ball straight to the back of net and Bridges narrowed the gap.

The game was one of both sides with Bridges switching between a high defensive line and long progressive passes towards the oppositions box. These long passes allowed players like Nancy Newman the opportunity to make a run down the line and towards goal.

Newman was quick, sprinting with the ball at lightning speed with her sights on goal. Entering the box she perfectly placed the ball into the back of the net. Newman helps Bridges equalise moments before the half time whistle.

One minute into the opening of the second half and Montpelier Villa’s Debaes’s scored her third goal of the game altering the scoreline to 3-2. Bridges respond by applying an increased pressure, creating bursts of short sharp passes and continuing to play long balls up the pitch.

Bridges subsequently began to have moments of incredible control on the ball forcing Montpelier Villa to respond with a repetition of fouls on the home side. No cards were shown.

In the 59^th minute Bo Hughes levels the scoreline once again making an impact on the game almost instantly after coming of off the bench. The goal came after Hughes put herself on the end of the visitor’s free kick. With the ball at her feet Hughes immediately has a shot at goal and slots it home. Bridges equalise 3-3.

One minute later and Hughes was wanting more taking a second shot at goal. The shot looked promising but just passed over the crossbar.

At the 71^st minute, Amelia Sandys right footed shot instead secured Bridges the advantage. The shot was powerful and perfectly precise catching Montpelier Villa’s defence of guard. The stands filled with elation and amazement at Sandys goal.

As the end of the game is nearing, Montpelier Villa was awarded a free kick. Waiting for the ball to enter play, Katie Butts positions herself at what looked to be the appropriate distance from the ball. Unfortunately for Butts, the referee insisted Butts was to close and a yellow card is awarded.

With only 3 minutes left of full time, the visitors level the scoreline to 4-4 after a header slipped passed Bridges defence and into the back of the net.

As the game entered extra time, Montpelier Villa scored yet another goal. Unfortunately, for Bridges with only seconds remaining of the game there was no opportunity for the home side to equalise. The scoreline was sealed at 5-4.

Bridges will look ahead to their next fixture away against Steyning Town FC at 7:45pm this Wednesday.