History Made: Bridges Reach First Ever Final After Famous Worthing Win

Three Bridges produced one of the greatest performances in their 125-year history on Tuesday night, defeating National League South high-flyers Worthing 4–2 in Lancing to secure a place in the Sussex Transport Cup Final for the very first time.

In what has already been a record-breaking season, this was a night that will live long in the memory. Having overcome Little Common, dismantled Wick 10–0, and edged past Horsham on penalties, Bridges knew they would need something extraordinary against opponents two divisions above them. What followed was exactly that—90 minutes of relentless energy, quality, and belief that saw them outplay and outwork their full-time opposition.

It could not have started any better. Just four minutes in, Bryan Villavicencio won possession deep inside his own half before feeding Ade Adeyinka, who threaded a superb pass through to Hayden Velvick. The winger showed great composure to slot the ball through the Worthing goalkeeper’s legs and give Bridges a dream start.

Three minutes later, the advantage was doubled. A quick-thinking free kick from Villavicencio found R. Hallard, who combined neatly with Velvick down the right. Velvick’s pinpoint cross was met by Charlie Bennett, who guided a beautiful volley into the net to make it 2–0.

Bridges were in full flow—and by the 17th minute, they were in dreamland. Another outstanding delivery from Velvick found Bennett once again, and his powerful header made it 3–0, sparking scenes of disbelief among Worthing supporters and neutrals alike, and sheer joy from the travelling Bridges contingent.

To their credit, Worthing responded in the 35th minute when Morton capitalised on an interception to race through on goal and reduce the deficit to 3–1. However, Bridges refused to let their levels drop, continuing to dominate the remainder of the half with both Bennett and Velvick going close again before the break.

Any questions about whether Bridges could maintain their intensity in the second half against full-time opposition were emphatically answered. Rather than sitting back, they came out with the same attacking intent—a testament to their fitness, mindset, and the tactical approach of manager Jamie Crellin.

Their boldness was rewarded in the 52nd minute. Noel Leighton, outstanding throughout, delivered a dangerous cross from the right that looked destined for Bennett. In attempting to deny the striker his hat-trick, Worthing’s Joe Cook could only divert the ball into his own net, extending the lead to 4–1.

Worthing threw everything forward in response, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Sam Roberts in goal, who produced two crucial one-on-one saves to preserve Bridges’ advantage. Although Brad Dolaghan reduced the deficit to 4–2 in the 70th minute, Bridges stood firm.

The final stages were managed superbly, with every tackle, block, and clearance roared on by a passionate travelling support. When the final whistle blew, it confirmed a famous 4–2 victory—one that will be remembered as a defining moment in the club’s history.

Bridges now look ahead to a historic Sussex Transport Cup Final at the Amex Stadium in early May, where they will face either Eastbourne Borough or Brighton.

Attention now turns back to the league campaign, with Bridges sitting eight points clear at the top of Isthmian South-East league with seven games remaining, starting with a long trip to Margate this Saturday.