Three Bridges Women complete the treble with the Combined Counties Trophy

By Ellie Duffett

Three Bridges Women played their final match of the season today in the Combined Counties final against AFC Portchester, securing their third piece of silverware this season.

The perfect end to an incredible season for the team who have consistently put in strong performance after strong performance.

A huge congratulations to the players and staff on their achievements this season.

The game occurred in a true final fashion, however after there was a need for redemption from Bridges early on. In the opening minutes of the game AFC Portchester gain the lead after a direct free kick, outside the box, is awarded to the side. As the ball is struck over the defensive wall, chaos emerges as Bridges defence scrambled to clear the ball but are unable to.

Bridges were relentless in their pursuit to equalise until the 17^th minute when top goalscorer of the season Martha Behr slots home Bridges first goal of the night to level the game.

The goal came after Pam McDonnell fed Bo Hughes the opportunity to make a run towards goal. As Hughes was nearing the net, she was forced by the goalkeeper to turn with the ball before crossing it to Daisy Ratcliffe who deflects into Behr’s path standing on the left post. Tapping it with her left foot, Behr slots the ball home and the scoreline levels to 1-1.

The style of football Bridges exhibited in this game was disciplined and collaborative allowing Amelia Sandys less than 10 minutes later to gain Bridges the advantage.

Poppy Nicholls plays an impressive long ball up the pitch which is run onto by Sandys. As she made it to the edge of the box the goalkeeper was there to greet her. Taking on the keeper 1v1, the number 10 struck the ball curving it around the right-hand side of the keeper and straight into the net 2-1 for Bridges.

Bridges entered half-time at 2-1.

Entering the second-half, Nicholls helps to set the standard of play by scoring a goal almost 40 yards out from the net. As the ball flew into goal and over the head of the keeper who is only able to brush the ball with her hand unable to secure it.

In the 63^rd minute, Behr is delivered a pass at the halfway line. Ball at her feet she turns at speed and outruns her opposition to the box. The goalkeeper runs out in the effort to dispossess Behr in a 1v1. Behr took her shot, the goalkeeper dived. The ball went through the opposition and straight into the right-hand side of the net. Behr changed the scoreline to 4-1.

Bridges intercepted and pressurised every advancement the opposition tried to make towards goal, collecting ball after ball which came their way.

In the 85th minute, Behr secured a hat trick after Kaitlyn Paul met a long ball. As Paul entered the box she was met with the goalkeeper. Moving around the keeper she had acres of space with no defender in sight, allowing her to cross the ball in front of goal to Behr. With an empty goal in front of her, the captain slots the ball home. Bridges led by 5-1.

Once again, a huge congratulations to the team and staff on their accomplishments this season being champions of the league, league cup winners and now Combined Counties trophy winners.

Joe and his team joined Three Bridges at the start of the season after a previous relegation. Coming in and re-building a team is no mean feat, but to completely turn a relegation into three pieces of silverware is an astonishing achievement.

The Bridges fans will look forward to seeing how this team develops from here but for now the players and staff should enjoy and soak up their huge success.