Robertsbridge

FOOTBALL: The 1st team hosted Rock-a-Nore in the Macron East Sussex Football league Premier Division and the 2-1 victory has put The Bridge into third place. The Bridge took a 5th minute lead when man of the match Phil Green’ corner found defender Ben Hardy at the far post to head home and for the rest of the half it was stale mate with both defences holding firm. The second half saw three substitutions and although The Bridge had chances it was the hosts who levelled on 75 minutes after poor defending, however 5 minutes later The Bridge restored their lead after an excellent run down the right wing by Ben Thorpe ended with a great cross for young JJ Boast to head home unmarked at the back post for all three points. Tomorrow we have two home games with the 1st team against League Champions Peche Hill Select K.O. 1.30p.m. followed by the 2nd team’s last match against Battle Baptists III K.O. 3.30p.m.

The Bridge were then at The Pilot Field on Monday night in the final of the Birchwood Group Challenge Cup against Premier Division Champions Peche Hill Select. After an even opening 20 minutes the first chance of the final fell to Peche Hill Select when Ross Southwood’ free kick was saved by Bridge keeper Grant Lewis but 4 minutes later Lewis conceded a penalty which Southwood converted. A Tom Ripley free kick sailed over the bar after 26 minutes and on the half hour mark Peche Hill Select doubled their lead when Callum Smith scored a 20 yard screamer. The Bridge now pushed to get back into the match and that came 2 minutes from the break when Michael Stone headed the ball back across the goal for Guy Ballard to head home. An injury to Adam Hardy early in the second half saw Ben Thorpe on but Smith scored his second for Peche Hill Select after 55 minutes and when Smith again broke free 10 minutes later Lewis saved well. Man of the match Paul Barnes started to find room in midfield and he was instrumental in Ballard’ 66th minute header going just pass the post but The Bridge were now looking for a goal and that nearly came on 72 minutes when Barnes’ twenty yard strike beat the keeper but not the crossbar. The Bridge pushed hard in the last few minutes but were unable to round off a good performance to lose 3-1.

STOOLBALL: Next Thursday will be the last training session at the cricket ground from 6.30p.m. before our season starts with our Ladies Tournament on Sunday 8th May 2016 starting at 10a.m.

CHARITY CUP: The football season comes to a close with both finals of the Paul Mitchell Plastering Contractors Robertsbridge Charity Cup which raises money for Charities in Robertsbridge. Both matches are at Robertsbridge Recreation Ground K.O. 6.30p.m. with the Junior Cup Final on Tuesday 10th May 2016 Northiam ‘75 v St.Leonards Social II and the Intermediate Cup Final on Wednesday 11th May 2016 Bexhill A.A.C. v Hawkhurst United or Westfield II. Entry is just £2 per person or £1 O.A.P’s and Children under 16.

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