Files.Pitchero.Com/Clubs/50430/Mzbax8rxrnkwgpofjqec 24.10.20+1St+Vs+Pheonix+

Good Afternoon,

We would like to welcome the Players, Managers, Club officials, Match officials and Supporters of both Phoenix Sports FC and Three Bridges Football club to Jubilee Field for today’s Pitching In Isthmian South East Division match with Phoenix Sports FC. We hope everyone has an enjoyable afternoon and a safe trip home.

The build up to this season has been like no other, from the uncertainty surrounding how last season would be determined to whether this season would even commence. The unthinkable happened and we were locked down for weeks. When we were finally able to resume with football our passionate fans were not permitted to watch, and this delayed the start of the season. We would like to thank the league for their stance on not starting the league until fans were able to return. Even though the way we attend matches has changed just as in our day to day lives has, we will adjust to the new normal of watching football. Football grounds up and down the country have had to adjust and take extra safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone in the ground and Three Bridges Football Club is no different. Despite the long awaited return to action and with the continuous evolving rules and guidance with Covid-19, Three Bridges Football Club could not be happier to be back in action.

For our next game, we will be away to Chichester City FC. This game will be played on Tuesday 27th October and will kick off at 7:45pm.

Now more than ever your support is vital in the success of our club and we hope as many of you as possible will be able to make the forthcoming games.

“Three Bridges Football Club along with The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.” (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162).The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and opportunities for all members of the community”

Three Bridges Football Club

CLUB OFFICERS: President: Alan Bell Vice Presidents: • Alf Blackler • Paul Terry • John Duly • Troy Labelle • John O’Dwyer • Tony Westley EXECUTIVE BOARD: Chairman: Paul faili Vice Chairman: Tom Hayward Hon. Secretary: Richard Munn Treasurer: Chris Irving MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Minutes Secretary: Alan Ladd Operations Manager: Joanna Munn Maintenance Manager: Paul Coleman Website Manager: Mark Beard Social Media Manager: Vacant Commercial Manager: Joanna Munn Special Events Co-ordinator: Paul Terry Programme Editor: TBA Equality and Diversity Officer: Graham McDonnell Child Welfare Officer: Chris Irving Match Reports / Press Officers: Alf Blackler and Alan Ladd Grants Manager: Paul Terry 200 Club Officers: Alf Blackler and Alan Ladd Covid Officers: Paul Terry and Graham McDonnell Club Management: Food and Beverage Manager: Leigh Brown Gatehouse Manager: Simon Rollings Steward: Brijesh Patel Head Groundsmen: Steve White Matchday Operations Manager: Steve White Car Parking & Safety Officer: Paul Coleman Football Management: 1st Team Manager: Paul Faili 1st Team Assistant Manager: Keith George 1st Team Head Coach: Jamie Crellin Development Squad Manager: Ryan Gayler Development Squad Assistant Managers: Tom Hayward and Chris Irving Under 18s Manager: Brannon O’ Neil Club Physiotherapists: Alan Street and Tracey Weller Youth Section: Youth Chairman: Graham McDonnell Youth Secretary: Simon Rollings U17 Manager: Simon Rollings Coach: Shane Reid U16 Manager: Chris Duggan Coach: Jon Pleydell U13 Girls Manager: IIija Dinkovski Coach: Clarissa Tilley U13 Flames Manager: Chris Hayden Coach: Tony Mott U13 Phoenix & Sparks Mangers: James Mallinson and Ross Lambert U12 Manager: Simon Rollings Coach: Dan Lombardo U11 Manager: Graham McDonnell Coach: Liam Ward U10 Manager: Ben Dunning Coach: Jonathon Willsher U9 Manager: Karl Mitchell Coach: Tom Bryson U8 / U7 Manager: Kieron Thorp

HISTORY OF THREE BRIDGES FC

Founded in 1901, Three Bridges joined the Mid Sussex Football League in 1902 and were Champions of that League for the first time in the 1907/08 season. Their first major success came in 1933/34, when they won the Sussex Junior Cup, and sundry other minor honors came their way before they joined the Sussex County Football League in 1952/53, and two years later were crowned Second Division Champions.

In 1962/63 they won the Division Two Invitation Cup and in 1968/69, 1973/74 and 1979/80 were Second Division Runners Up. 1970/71 produced an against-the-odds triumph when winning the League’s Invitation Cup against Southwick (3-2). The 1980s heralded a run of successes, starting with reaching the last 16 of the FA Vase for the first time in 1981/82 before losing at Molesey (1-2). A season later they made it to the last 32 but also won the Sussex RUR Charity Cup for the first time, beating Hastings Town 3-2. Another year on saw them finish runners up in the Thorn EMI National six-a-side tournament, winning a set of floodlights. 1985/86 saw them finish as County League Division One runners up, a feat they repeated in both 1987/88 (when they also won the RUR Cup again) and 1988/89.

A fire destroyed their clubhouse in 1993 which re-focused their priorities and ultimately resulted in relegation in 1996/97. They won the Division 2 League Cup a season later and then finished runners up in Division 2 to regain Division 1 status. They were RUR Cup runners up in 2003/04 and then winners of that same prestigious trophy in 2007/08.

In season 2010/11 hopes were high when they started by winning their first nine League games, but eventually finished the season in 5th place. However they did win the John O’Hara League Challenge Cup for the first time that season, beating Rye United 2-1, a tremendous feat that they achieved again in 2011/12, this time AFC Uckfield being defeated 2-1. It looked like being another tough League campaign when they lost four of the first nine matches, but then lost only one of the remaining 29 games, which was concluded by beating Championship rivals Rye United 1-0 at home on the final day of the season! This tremendous run meant the club had achieved its ambition and become Sussex County Football League Champions. With a superb run in the FA Vase too, losing in the last 32 on a penalty shoot-out with Derbyshire side, Gresley FC, the 2011/12 ‘Double’ season had undoubtedly been the best in Three Bridges’ history.

Their first season in the Ryman Isthmian Football League South Division saw them struggle for much of the time. However, having been 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table in mid-February, they went on a run of 11 matches that produced 7 victories, 2 draws and just 2 defeats, earning them Team of the Month Awards in both March and April as a result. It meant that they survived the drop, but their second season in the Ryman League saw them struggle at times again but some key signings midway through the season helped them to 19th place.

The 2014/15 season saw an even greater improvement with a healthy mixture of youth and experience guiding them into 7th position and, whilst they were happy to score 94 League goals, they were less than happy about the 95 they conceded! They improved their defensive record in conceding 67 goals in season 2015/16 but only scored 59, hardly helped by long-term injuries to strike partners Allan Tait and Tony Garrod. With 66 points, they slumped to 14th position, although they only accumulated 6 points fewer than in the previous campaign!

Bridges maintained most of that season's squad for the 2016/17 campaign. However, with at least 11 first team players out injured by September, they had to use a lot of the U21s, Academy and U18s players and by November had lost 12 games in a row, drew three and won just one game. Towards the end of the season, they strengthened the squad but it was too late to avoid relegation.

For the 2017/18 season, Bridges kept a few of the best of the players from the previous season and strengthened the team with more experienced players in the hope of promotion once again. Having dispensed with the services of Simon Wormull, Paul Hammond and Danny Lee from the coaching team and folding the Academy team, Bridges also strengthened the management team with the additions of the experienced ex-Bridges player, Martin Dynan as Assistant Manager, and UEFA ‘A’ licensed Coach, Marc Wardley. That season turned out to be an extremely tough one with every team wanting to beat us. However, Bridges accomplished what they set out to do by gaining promotion back to the Isthmian League having finished second place in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, just one point behind the winners, Haywards Heath Town, and despite having only lost 3 games all season.

After serving 25 years with the Club as a manager, Paul Faili stood down as First Team Manager for the 2018/19 season in order to concentrate on his role as Club Chairman, and handed the management reins over to Martin Dynan, assisted by Liam Collins alongside Keith George. He also recruited a new U23s manager in Oliver Saunders, another UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach, to work closely with the First Team in developing both the U23s and U18s. After losing 8 out of 12 League games by the end of November, as well as being knocked out of all four cup competitions (FA Cup, FA Trophy, League Cup and Sussex Senior Cup), the future looked bleak for Martin Dynan. However, the team then went on an unbeaten run in December, earning Martin the League’s Manager of the Month Award. Unfortunately, that didn’t last and Martin’s demise was inevitable by the end of February, having lost 8 of the last nine games with relegation looming. Paul Faili stepped in for the remaining 9 games of the season attaining 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses – enough for a 14th place finish and 14 points clear of relegation.

Paul remained as Manager for the 2019/20 season, ably assisted by Keith George and coached by Jamie Crellin who played for the Club for five seasons, but sadly had to hang up his boots after sustaining an ankle injury early in the 2018/19 season, having made 164 appearances for the Club. Oliver Saunders remained as U23s Manager, assisted by Tom Hayward who has been involved with the U18s as both Assistant Manager and Manager over the last four seasons, while First Team player, Brannon O’Neill, was appointed as U18s Manager. Sadly Oliver decided to move to South Park as First Team Coach in November 2019, following Martin Dynan’s appointment there so Tom has been appointed as U23s Manager for the remainder of the season. For the 2020/2021 season, Paul remains as Manager, assisted by Keith George and coached by Jamie Crellin. The U23S is now known as the Development Squad. Tom has stepped down as Development Squad Manager and is now assistant Manager along with Chris Irving to the newly appointed Ryan Gayler. Brannon O’Neil remains as U18S Manager.

SUPPORTERS GUIDE

WELCOME BACK!

Please take note of the covid ground regulations listed below for Three Bridges Football club. The regulations allow the club to open the ground and to welcome back supporters in a safe environment.

1. Before you leave your home, please carry out a self assessment. If you do feel you have any of the recognised COVID -19 symptoms, Please stay at home and seek medical advice, there will be more games for you to enjoy this season.

2. On arrival to the ground we ask you to use the hand sanitizer provided. Hand sanitizing stations are located in multiple positions around the ground.

3. Card payments are preferred on admission to the ground and within the facility. If paying by cash please try to have the correct money available.

4. As part of the clubs effort to help with the Governments track and trace system, we have implemented a few systems to help record who is at the ground. A) We are using the NHS Track and Trace QR code and App. QR codes are located throughout the facility. B) If you are unable to use the app, please speak to a member of staff, who will take down your details. C) All details will be destroyed after 21 days as per the GPDR regulations. Anyone refusing to use Track and Trace may be refused entry.

5. Remember to social distance when in the ground and try not to be in a group of more than 6 people to include children.

6. In the Stands, please refrain from sitting on any seats with crosses on. These have been blocked off to aid social distancing.

7. Please when queuing, try to keep social distancing in mind and follow any instructions that are around the facility.

8.Masks will be required for entry into the clubhouse unless medically exempt.

Remember to social distance when in the ground.

INTRODUCING ‘PITCHING IN’ – THE NEW PARTNER OF THE ISTHMIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

GVC is delighted to announce that the new sponsor of the, Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues - is Pitching In.

Pitching In, is a new Grassroots Sports Investment Programme that has today been launched by GVC, the multi-national sports-betting and gaming group which owns Ladbrokes and Coral.

The partnership covers all three leagues that make up Steps 3 & 4 of the National Leagues System, who market themselves collectively as the Trident Leagues.

England footballing legend Stuart Pearce, who played for Wealdstone FC for five years at the start of his long and illustrious career, has been appointed as the official Pitching In ambassador.

Stuart Pearce, ambassador for the Pitching In programme, says:

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of ambassador for Pitching In, as I’m passionate about the importance of investing in grassroots sports and in developing young talent. I started out playing for Wealdstone FC before joining Coventry City so I understand how important funding is to the non- league game. Grassroots football is facing huge challenges at the moment and many clubs are struggling to stay afloat. GVC’s Pitching In investment will help make a big difference to hundreds of clubs and thousands of players across the country.”

Pitching In has been set up with the objective of supporting, protecting and encouraging grassroots sports in the UK through a range of initiatives.

In addition to financial support, a key focus of the partnership will be to facilitate and encourage members of the community to become volunteers and do some pitching in of their own. A Pitching In volunteering scheme will be established to link GVC’s Ladbrokes and Coral shop colleagues with their local clubs.

In the weeks ahead Pitching In and the Trident Leagues will be announcing further initiatives to provide financial support and opportunities for all the 226 clubs (rising to 240 in 2021).

For more information on Pitching In please visit www.gvc-plc.com/pitchingin

BRIDGES PLAYER PROFILES

KIERON THORP GIANI ASHLEY

PHOTO Born 12.12.90 in Crawley. Joined July 2014. Previous Born 05.07.96 in Amsterdam. Joined Bridges in November clubs include: Dulwich Hamlet, Lewes, Horsham, TO COME 2019. Previous clubs include: South Park Rangers; Redhill; Crawley Down Gatwick, Worthing, Horsham YMCA, & Margate Broadbridge Heath. Over 150 appearances for the club, also managing Bridges’ new U7s team. Sponsor: Elite Development www.elitedevelopmentcoaching.co.uk AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

LEE HALL PHOTO BRANNON O’NEILL

TO Born 23.11.87 in London. Joined February 2017. COME Born 22.03.1990 in Cuckfield. Joined on 12th January Previous clubs include: Fulham (8 years, earning two 2018 from Burgess Hill. Spent four years at Worthing years’ scholarship at high and reserve level); before leaving to join Dorking Wanderers in 2016/17 Corinthian-Casuals (in 2015, played in Brazil against season. He then signed for Burgess Hill in the Bostik Corinthians at the Arena Stadium in front of 30,000 Premier Division last season before transferring to fans); Lewes, Sutton Utd., Harrow Borough, Bridges. Joined Whitehawk the start of this season and Kingstonian, Met. Police, Tooting & Mitcham Utd. and re-signed for Bridges on 11th October 2018 Carshalton Athletic. Sponsor: Spot On Services UK Sponsor: Elite Development www.spotonservices.uk www.elitedevelopmentcoaching.co.uk

TROY WILLIAMS PHOTO TOM TOLFREY TO COME Born 24.04.94 in Croydon. Joined Bridges in July 2019. Born 10.07.1991 in Crawley. Joined Bridges on 6th Previous clubs include Tooting & Mitcham, Merstham, July 2019 from Dorking Wanderers where he played Grays Athletic, Lewes, Horsham (loan) and Walton & for five seasons, scoring 143 goals in 118 games. Hersham.

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR Sponsor: LIGHTENING ELECTRICAL

BILLY IRVING JOHN LANSDALE

Born 08.02.2000 in Crawley. Came through the Born 20.07.91 in Shoreham. Joined in July 2014. Bridges Youth section before joining Guildford City in Previous clubs include: Burgess Hill Town, Worthing, the 2018/19 season. Returned to Bridges in October Eastbourne Town, Whitehawk and Crawley Down 2019. Gatwick. Supporters’ Player of the Year last season (2017/18). Sponsor: Taxave Business Centre Sponsor: Dockerils Sign Department www.taxave.co.uk www.dockerills.co.uk

BRIDGES PLAYER PROFILES

STEVE SMITH CURTIS GAYLER PHOTO

TO PHOTO TO Born 01.09.95 in Brighton. Joined Bridges on 11th October COME 2019. Previous clubs include: Burgess Hill Town, Hastings COME United, Worthing, Whitehawk, Lewes, Horsham, East Grinstead Town.

Sponsor: Dockerills Btn ltd AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR www.dockerills.co.uk

BEN BACON PHOTO Born 25.08.1990. First joined Bridges on 19th PHOTO TO December 2017 after transferring from Steyning Town, then re-joined Steyning at the end of that TO COME season. Re-signed for Bridges on 9th December COME 2019. Previous clubs include; Wisdom Sports; Cuckfield Town; Haywards Heath; Hassocks; Steyning Town. Sponsor: Kallista Electronics www.kallistaelectronics.co.uk

MASON DOUGHTY KYLE WOOLVEN

Born 20.05.1999 in Crawley. Came through the Bridges Youth section and previous Academy. Won Club Player of the Year for U21s in 2017/18 and was PHOTO quickly brought into the First Team fold in the TO 2018/19 season after scoring 8 goals in 6 games for COME the U23s. That season, he also won the League’s South Division Top Goal Scorer. Impressed Premier Division Worthing during the close season and made 13 appearances this season before transferring to Burgess Hill in November. Returned to Bridges on 5th March 2020. Sponsor: Next Generation Pro Football Academy Sponsor: Havens Community Hub www.ngpfa.com www.havenscommunityhub.co.uk

ANDY SESAY HARRY DOCHERTY PHOTO PHOTO

TO TO

COME COME

Sponsor: Mark Jones Wall & Floor Tiling AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR www.mjonesceramictilingsussex.co.uk

BRIDGES PLAYER PROFILES

DEAN LOVEGROVE CALLUM DONAGHEY

PHOTO PHOTO TO TO COME COME

Sponsor: Looks By Lovegrove Sponsor: Leigh Brown www.facebook.com/looksbylovegrove/

ALEX BARBARY JORDAN WILSON

PHOTO PHOTO

TO TO COME COME

Sponsor: Selfie Factory AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR www.selfiefactory.co.uk

Email: [email protected] for player sponsorship

enquiries.

Formed in 1935, Phoenix Sports Club originally started out as St. Johns Welling, later changing its name to Lakeside, before renaming to Phoenix following the Second World War as it was seen to rise from the ashes of the previous two clubs amidst the destruction caused by the blitz.

Over the years the club has played at various locations in the local area, including Danson Park until 1950 when the local council offered them a piece of waste land in Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath. Over time it evolved into the ground that we all know now as The Club.

Both football and cricket have been played at Mayplace Road East, with many members, both past and present, representing the club in both sports. However, with the growth of junior football, cricket has now moved away from the club.

After entering various leagues, including the Sidcup League, Kent Amateur League and the Dartford League, the club settled in the Kent County League Division One West, finishing as runners up twice in the 1950's and once in the 70's.

Due to financial difficulties, Phoenix were forced to form a Limited Company and adopt the name PHOENIX SPORTS CLUB (1982) LTD.

Early years

In the 1986/7 season, the club entered the Spartan League and competed there for six seasons. They then returned to the Kent County League - Division One - West, winning the Challenge Cup in 1993-94.

In 1999/2000 we won the league, gaining promotion to the Premier Division, however after two relegations ended up in Division Two West, finally returning to the first division in 2004/05, and then back to the Premier Division in 2007/08.

Over the years various honours have come our way, but unfortunately records are fairly sparse. However, we have won the Hospitals Charity Cup Division 1 twice in recent seasons.

In recent years, we have seen a steady improvement in the standard of senior football played here at Phoenix, especially after the introduction of our Saturday morning soccer school academy for juniors and a new management team at senior level.

Club successes

These changes resulted in the first team winning the Kent County Football League Division Two title, The West Kent Challenge Shield, The Hospitals Charity Cup and the Kent Junior Cup, in the 2004/05 season. The team maintained steady progress to win the Division One Championship and promotion to the Premier Division, and also the West Kent Challenge Shield and Hospitals Chairty Cup again, followed by a win in the KVFA Intermediate Challenge Shield.

After three seasons in the Premier Division, the first team became founder members of the Kent Invicta League at step 6 of the National League System (Step 10 of the English Football League System) – the highest level of football the club has ever played at. We went on to finish runners up, missing out by only two points to eventual champions Bly Spartans as well as reaching the League Cup Final, again losing out to Bly Spartans.

The reserves also had a good season that year, winning Division Two of the Kent Hurliman League and were finalists in the Kent Intermediate Cup.

This past season our third senior team (The A Team) gained entry into the Kent County League, winning Reserve Division West and reaching the final of the KCFA Junior Cup group A and the Hospitals Charity Cup.

Unfortunately, the 1st team and Reserve team Management both decided to resign for personal reasons at the end of season 2011-2012. After an exhaustive process we appointed Steve O’Boyle and Tony Beckingham as Joint 1st Team Managers, and John Hope as Manager for the Reserves assisted by Brian Magenis and John Barry. Whilst off the pitch we installed floodligts and 108 seat stand.

Phoenix Rising

After a successful first campaign under the new management structure and after losing only two league games all season, Phoenix won the Kent Invicta league and gained promotion to the Kent League (now renamed the Southern Counties East Football League) to play at step 5 of the National League System.

After finishing in sixth place in our inaugural season, we have made some more ground improvements and have received confirmation of a F Grade.

We aspired to a higher finish, hoping for maybe 4th spot, for the next season. We had a very good start to the season but unfortunately lost in our first ever appearance in the FA Cup. Losing on penalties after a replay.

We then began an unbelievable run in both the League and FA Vase. The Vase journey was fantastic culminating in us reaching the 4th Round Proper, losing to the eventual winners North Shields.

In the League we managed to lose only 1 game all season and accumulating 30 clean sheets.

Due to these performances we managed to win the League quite comfortably in the end, although there were a few sticky moments.

These achievements meant that we also had to work miracles off the pitch, but we eventually managed to get all the necessary works done in time to gain D Grade and promotion to The Ryman League North Division.

After a long 1st season, we managed to finish in 14th place of 24 teams. This can only be classed as a great result for the club. We now try to push on for another good season and hopefully a higher place finish, although we will not now be an unknown quantity.

After another hard season where we were in and around the play off places for most of it, we were cursed by Boyley winning the Manager of the Month award for March, and managed to go the rest of the season without picking up another point, and finishing in 8th place.

We were also the subject of a lateral movement at the season end, so competed in the newly sponsored Bostik League South, for the 2017-18 season. After a decent start to the and sitting in the play-off spots for a while, we were rocked by the departure of First Team Manager Steve O’Boyle. This coincided with a blip in form, but new Manager Paul Bryon steadied the ship and we finished in a creditable 11th place.

This was bettered by a 9th placed finish the following year and we were positioned well to improve on that when the Coronavirus Pandemic brought an early end to the 2019/20 campaign. We now we go into the 2020/21 season aiming to continue our progression as a club.

Alongside the 1st Team and the Reserves, we presently have over 20 teams playing in Phoenix colours, making us one of the biggest clubs in the area. Phoenix are also a FA charter Standard Community Club - the highest level of youth recognition from the Football Association.

Mini-soccer is played at the Mayplace Ground and Sundays are always busy with parents cheering on the youngest players to wear the green shirt.

Professional, Friendly Chiropractic Care in Crawley & Surrounding Areas Contact us for a free spinal screening appointment to see how we can help. Call: 01293 510210 or visit www.crawleyspinalhealth.co.uk Headache Sciatica

Save £93 Three Bridges FC special offer New Patient Consultation AND Examination PLUS X -rays (if needed ) Back Pain Neck Pain for just £47 Usual price with X-rays is £140

We’ll give £5 to

HomeStart CHAMS

for every purchase! Chiropractic is one of the most positive actions you can Crawley Spinal Health, take for conditions related to spinal dysfunction such as 9 Southgate Parade, Crawley, back pain, neck pain and headaches. RH10 6ER Tel: 01293 510210

TODAY’S MATCH BALL SPONSORS:

Stuart & Keith

BRIDGES LOSE AT HOME

THREE BRIDGES 1ST 2 - 3 WHITSTABLE TOWN

TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2020

Naivety cost Bridges dearly as mistakes during the seven minutes of added time cost them not just a couple of points but all three! A first half which was totally encouraging was followed by a second period when the back four were forced to show their spirit and grit, with Steve Smith looking in particular defiant mood.

Curtis Gayler was the first to come close for Bridges following a neat pass from Jordan Wilson, whilst Smith drove into the side netting before the visitors at last made a response with Luke Medley dragging wide.

A handling offence after 22 minutes led to a penalty which Brannon O’Neill slotted home, but Bridges were grateful to Keiron Thorp for an excellent block to deny Tijan Jadama and to Callum Donaghey for helping to clear the danger.

A delightful slip through by Wilson after 36 minutes led to Bridges extending their lead with Tom Tolfrey netting at the second attempt after Dan Eason parried his first effort. O’Neill then headed over from Curtis Gayler’s lovely floated corner, and a back header by O’Neill almost caught out Eason.

But a minute before the interval a foul on the edge of Thorp’s area led to a mass brawl before the defensive wall looked far too open as Aaron Millbank blasted home the free kick. Whitstable looked a different proposition after the break, Bridges’ only effort of note coming from Kyle Woolven, but once Thorp brilliantly tipped over a long range effort from substitute Liam Gilles in the 89th minute, all the efforts of the home defence seemed about to be rewarded. But two minutes into added time, two youngsters up front failed to keep possession and a long ball forward was despatched clinically by a delighted Millbank. But Whitstable weren’t about to settle for a point, and in the fifth minute of added time, with Smith having had to leave the field with an injury, the defence for once failed to close down substitute Cham Muhammed, who whipped the ball past Thorp for what had seemed an unlikely winner for much of the game.

Bridges Man of the Match: Steve Smith

Report by Alf Blackler

BRIDGES WIN AWAY

THREE BRIDGES 1ST 2 - 1 RAMSGATE

SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2020

A welcome win for Bridges, their first in the League this campaign, but there were a few butterflies in the stomach moments as the defence once again showed strength when it mattered most.

Bridges had the perfect start with a goal after just eight minutes, Harry Docherty and Alex Barbary both being involved before Tom Tolfrey lashed home. Ashley Miller had a golden chance to level just a minute later but his soft shot was easily gathered by Kieron Thorp.

Brannon O’Neill and Jordan Wilson both had drives that came close, but a breakdown in communications cost Bridges a second goal as three players converged on goal but made one pass too many when a shot looked on the cards. And two minutes before half time Ramsgate equalised as Miller played in Tom Chapman, who had looked their most dangerous player with a number of surging runs down the flanks.

The second half started promisingly for the visitors with Curtis Gayler having a shot blocked and Docherty running through but being foiled by Brannon Daly. Barbary also made a good run but was denied by the post before Daly scrambled the ball clear, but it was then Ramsgate’s turn to have a purple patch. Troy Williams cleared one effort off the line whilst Callum Donaghey and Steve Smith, who was constantly heckled by the home supporters, showed stubborn resistance.

With just ten minutes left Ben Bacon proved a nuisance in the box and a Ramsgate defender clearly handled, giving Brannon O’Neill the opportunity to grab the winner from the penalty spot. There were a few heart stopping moments in the closing stages, but Jamie Crellin sunk to his knees in relief at the final whistle.

Bridges Man of the Match: Jordan Wilson

Report by Alf Blackler

BRIDGES THROUGH IN THE BUILDBASE FA Trophy

THREE BRIDGES 1ST 2 - 1 CHIPSTEAD SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2020

An excellent win with Bridges dominating the first half and then at times having to show resolve in defence as Chipstead upped their game after the interval.

Harry Docherty drove just wide within four minutes of the kick off, and although Kieron Thorp had to hold onto a low effort from George Membrillera, it was Bridges who looked more threatening. A goal duly arrived after 17 minutes with a burst by Alex Barbary leading to a loose ball that was intercepted superbly by Brannon O'Neill, who drove on and drilled the ball beyond Ollie Pain.

Barbary had a header pushed away as Bridges continued to press, so it was something of a shock when Chipstead levelled in the 31st minute. An excellent crossfield ball found left back Karen Miller-Neave, who did well to bring it under control before crossing to the far post for Membrillera to head home unmarked at the far post.

Tom Tolfrey was unlucky not to restore Bridges’ lead immediately, first with a blocked shot and then with a nice turn that led to the first of four consecutive corners.

Callum Donaghey looked favourite to meet one of these, but in the 36th minute O’Neill’s delivery to the far post was met by the head of Dean Lovegrove, who was one of many that could so easily have been Man of the Match. O’Neill, another candidate, set up the tireless Tolfrey for another effort that was blocked, but straight away Thorp was forced to edge away a cross shot from Membrillera. The two full backs for the home side, Miller-Neave and Marco Correia, showed threatening moments, but Steve Smith and Donaghey were again immense in the heart of the visiting defence.

And it was Bridges who came closest to another goal as the game moved into added time. Lee Hall set up Ben Bacon for a shot that was palmed away by Pain, the follow up from Tolfrey than being bravely blocked by Chipstead skipper Chris Boulter. And there was even time for Donaghey to head just over before the team loudly celebrated their victory.

Bridges Man of the Match: Steve Smith

Report by Alf Blackler

BRIDGES LOSE AT HASTINGS

THREE BRIDGES 1ST 0 – 3 HASTINGS UNITED

TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2020

Hastings were clearly the better side for long periods with Ryan Worrall looking a class above, but Bridges battled gamely despite conceding after only ten minutes when Ben Pope was unmarked to head home as a cross dropped invitingly to him. He probably should have added a quick second but he screwed horribly wide.

But Bridges were offered a lifeline just five minutes later when the referee showed a straight red card to Oliver Black for a late high challenge on Curtis Gayler. The ten men started to look dangerous themselves with Troy Williams crossing and Alex Barbury’s header being pushed away by Louis Rogers.

It was then Bridges’ turn to be concerned as Brannon O’Neill received two yellow cards in the space of three minutes, although the first challenge looked to be innocuous. Steve Smith was cautioned for a challenge on the edge of the box, but Sam Adams sent the resulting free kick wide. Tom Chalmers also came close, but so too did Gayler, who showed flashes of form throughout the evening.

The returning Andy Sesay showed plenty of pace as a second half substitute, whilst Tom Tolfrey worked his socks off without too much joy, often as a lone striker.

Kenny Pogue flashed a header wide from Worrall’s pinpoint corner, but it went wrong again for the visitors when Smith received a second yellow as he and Kieron Thorp combined to keep Pope at bay inside the area. Despite Smith’s protests of innocence, the referee awarded a penalty, which Pope duly despatched, and it was now a matter of damage limitation for the nine men.

Thorp made an excellent block to deny Chalmers after an impressive run, whilst Callum Donaghey and Dean Lovegrove continued to frustrate the home forwards. But a third goal seemed inevitable and it came when two substitutes combined, Jack Dixon’s ball across the face of the goal being tucked in at the far post by Davide Rodari.

Bridges Man of the Match: Callum Donaghey

Report by Alf Blackler

Having problems getting your Office equipment serviced or repaired?

We service and sell any make or model of photocopier, scanner or printer

Please call Limpio Office Solutions

On 01293 614020 or email [email protected]

• Photocopiers Limpio Office Solutions Ltd • Printers • Scanners Head Office, 13-14 Raleigh Court • MFD’s Priestley Way • Servicing & Repair • Toner Crawley, West Sussex • Inks RH10 9PD • Supplies • Finance Options

• Meter Readings T: 01293 614020 • Installation • Software E: [email protected]

W: www.limpio-os.co.uk

MATCH BALL SPONSORSHIP £30.00 per game Sponsorship includes two complimentary tickets to the game and opportunity to present Man of the Match.

If you would like to sponsor a match ball for any of the games this season, please speak to Alf Blackler or email [email protected]

3rd October VCD Athletic Rachel & Barry 6th October Whitstable Town Alf Blackler 24th October Phoenix Sports Stuart & Keith 7th November Cray Valley PM Chris & Mark Kitcher 21st November Faversham Town Taxave Accountancy Ltd 5th December Whyteleafe Crawley Spinal Health 19th December East Grinstead Town Paul Coleman 28th December Ashford United Alan Ladd 9TH January Sittingbourne Mick Spencer 16th January Chichester City Neill Waddell 30th January Ramsgate Paul Coleman 20th February Burgess Hill Town 27th February Herne Bay 13th March Whitehawk 27th March Hythe Town 17th April Sevenoaks Town 1st May Hastings United

Thank you to all our sponsors this season for their support

THREE BRIDGES FC

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLUB

For only £5.00 per month (paid by direct debit, standing order cash or cheque), you could win big and support the Club. THREE cash prizes guaranteed every month with a minimum £100 first prize. For further information, please contact: Alf Blackler – 07758 745372 Email: [email protected] OR Alan Ladd – 07584 624963 Email: [email protected]

1st - £100 2nd - £50 3rd - £30

NOVEMBER 10 U12 Phoenix 45 Tony Danser 89 U12 Phoenix (2) 2019 1 (14) DECEMBER Bradley 47 53 Graham Creasy 44 John Peters 2019 Spencer JANUARY 2020 75 U12 Flames (3) 57 David Beard 84 U12 Flames (12) FEBRUARY 2020 11 Leigh Brown 44 John Peters 61 Sue Creasy MARCH 2020 31 Lorraine Ford 63 Zoe Spencer 25 Lorraine Bonner APRIL 2020 66 Paul Faili 72 Gordon Bennett MAY 2020 56 Phil Bacon 48 Helen Davis JUNE 2020 37 Ray Davis 25 Lorraine Bonner JULY 2020 5 Peter Smithson 24 Brian Crossey AUGUST 2020 18 Chris Irving 24 Brian Crossey SEPTEMBER 64 Stuart Russell 69 Neil Waddell 74 Under 13 (2) 2020 OCTOBER 2020 NOVEMBER

2020 DECEMBER

2020

Photos by www.dbsportsphotos.co.uk

Clubhouse Hire – Three Bridges Football Club

Need a venue for a party? We can help!

Your EVENT at our Clubhouse…..

Our clubhouse at Jubilee Field is the perfect venue for any type of private function!

Situated five minutes from the M23 and Crawley Town Centre with Three Bridges train Station a 2 minute walk away.

Wedding receptions, Christenings, Wakes, Parties (No 18th birthdays), Corporate Events, Quiz & Race nights, Discos and Business meetings, you name it…we can help!!

Our conference facilities offer flexibility for meetings with a choice of locations and large screens.

Holds up to 180 people, 120 seated for Banquets with a fully licensed bar and parking for 200 cars!!

Our dedicated staff can provide:

• Start to end planning • On the day event coordination • Décor and styling • Supplier recommendations • Catering (available on request)

Our clubhouse is available for hire seven days a week!!

Make your event unforgettable…Don’t delay, contact us Today!!!

Contact our Bookings and Events Team

Telephone: 01293 442000 Email: [email protected] www.threebridgesfc.co.uk

YOUTH ROUND-UP WEEKEND OF 17TH / 18TH OCTOBER 2020

Report by Alf Blackler

Saturday’s games included an 8-1 victory for Under 12 Youth versus Galaxy with Man of the Match Nojus Koncius hitting a hat trick. Josh Rudge, Oscar Rushton, Lucas Poole, Josh Ascenso and Hassan Mahmoud were also all on the scoresheet as the team went six points clear at the top of their League.

The Under 12’s Colts also won on Sunday emphatically, beating Fishergate Flyers 9-3. Louie Kaumaya was the hat trick hero this time. Kian McDonnell added two and there were one each for Reggie West, Lewie Retter, George Cardenas and Joe Bacon. But Man of the Match was Freddie Ward for an incredible six assists.

The Under 13’s Sparks were also in goal scoring mood, beating Billingshurst Youth 7-0 with two goals apiece for Leo Carr and Luke Savage and one each for Jeremiah Mwesige, Scott Brend and Matthew Armstrong. Jack Barrett was Man of the Match.

It was closer for the Under 13’s Phoenix team but they still won 3-2 against Eastbourne Blue with Rami Esadki, David Pykalo and Beau Hearn all on target. But goalkeeper Rio Johnson was the Man of the Match.

And the Under 13’s Phoenix side continued their winning streak on Sunday with a 6-1 victory over AFC Crawley. Zayn Raja hit a hat trick whilst Reece Mallinson, Beau Hearn and Henry Taylor all hit one each. Riley Whyton was Man of the Match. But it wasn’t such a happy day for the Under 13’s Flames, who lost 0-4 against Hassocks Phoenix.

The Under 12’s Flames however beat Poets Corner 4-1 with two goals from Olly Davis and one each by Warren Newman and Alex Winiecki. Connor Marsh was Man of the Match.

The Under 17’s beat East Grinstead 5-0 in the League Cup with Josh Laver grabbing Man of the Match honours. Wiktor Maznica scored a hat trick whilst Charles Bonning-Parker and Rodrigo Goncalves both netted too.

Finally, Gracie Maskell scored both goals as the Under 13’s Girls drew 2-2 with Uckfield Grasshoppers. Deryn Hoare was Girl of the Match.

NLP programme column

By Matt Badcock

WHAT’S THE best goal you’ve seen live? Not necessarily your favourite or one that meant the most, saw your club win something or, dare I say it, avoid relegation. But the best.

Football is subjective. One person’s best goal might not be to the taste of another’s. Some prefer mazy runs. Others think there’s nothing better than a long range strike that crashes in off the underside of the bar.

We’re fortunate we get to see more Non-League goals than we ever did. Now wonder strikes from across the country are only a few clicks away, be it on the club’s website, YouTube channel or social media. Often we will see a goal just moments after the game has finished.

It used to be waiting to buy the end of season club video to re-live those moments that could have occurred months earlier. Was it quite as good as you remembered? Was it really that far out? Did the keeper really have no chance?

One that will always live long in my memory was a strike by Michael Warner for Farnborough Town against Heybridge Swifts. A headed clearance fell out of the sky to customary cries of ‘SHOOT!’

Often the instruction to take aim is swiftly followed by groans as the ball sails off target, troubling parked vehicles in the car park more than the goalkeeper.

But this day, Warner’s effort was a dream. Like a tracer missile the ball rocketed into the top corner. Two goalkeepers wouldn’t have saved it.

It was brilliant. These days it would have gone ‘viral’ and been retweeted thousands of times on twitter.

Technology has certainly made our annual Goal of the Season at The NLP’s National Game Awards more competitive than ever.

More and more nominations roll in each year, all worthy winners from all different levels of the game. In years gone by, these goals would be the stuff of myth and legend. Now the tangible proof is there.

I was fortunate enough to be at the National League North Eliminator game between Brackley Town and Gateshead a few months ago.

Fans weren’t allowed in the grounds. That was a shame for loyal supporters as it is but even more so when Shane Byrne pulled a spectacular rabbit out of the hat on the stroke of half-time.

Gateshead had just gone one up deep in first-half stoppage time and looked for all the world to be heading into the break in front.

But Byrne, apparently, had other ideas. Receiving the ball from kick-off inside his own half, the midfielder hit an inch perfect ball that flew right into the top corner.

Gateshead keeper Brad James had no chance. It wasn’t like he’d been caught unawares not concentrating.

It left the handful of people inside the ground open-mouthed. A wow moment. The only problem for me being, I didn’t fully see it. I was taking notes down from the first goal. Who shoots direct from kick-off!? I saw it in the air from a long way out, I saw it arrow into the net. I saw 80 per cent of it. But I didn’t see the actual strike itself.

So does it count as my best goal witnessed live? It’s certainly the best one I nearly saw!

Weekly from Sunday 15th November until Sunday 20th December