Broadbridge Heath’s pleasing rise through the levels is taking on a new dimension this season – the village club sit fourth in the Isthmian South East after a good start.

Since moving to their new home, The Air Engineering Stadium, in 2019 and taking on Chris Simmons as manager in 2020 the club have been moving in the right direction.

The 2022-23 season saw them win the Southern Combination League and get promotion to step four. That’s a huge leap in commitment, resource, quality and travelling times, however Simmons and the Bears have taken it all in their stride finishing in comfortable mid-table positions and ending ninth on one occasion.

But it’s not without its challenges.

Chris Simmons talks to his Broadbridge Heath players after loss at South Park | Picture: Colin Bowman

placeholder image — Chris Simmons talks to his Broadbridge Heath players after loss at South Park | Picture: Colin Bowman

Bears made the trip north on Saturday to face South Park Reigate, who operate out of Whitehall Lane on a wonderful 4G surface.

The sun was out and temperatures topped 25 degrees with a good number of blue-shirted Bears fans in attendance.

In keeping with their quick start to the season Heath made a fast impression on the game. They got down the left from kick-off and forced a corner. Centre back Ben Royal was there to joyously nod home, the stadium clock registering 40 seconds.

The game was ultimately decided in the next 30 minutes. With Park reeling the Bears were allowed much of the ball and territory. They came forward in numbers looking for that killer second. However, the home keeper made a couple of good saves – while a few wrong decisions allowed the Sparks manager to do his half-time work only one down instead of two or three.

South Park came out with intent and purpose. On 50 minutes they had three corners on the trot and hit a post. On 57 their pressure paid off as George Vincent fired home through a crowed box.

South Park were now dominating, being quicker to the ball and winning the 50/50s. On 75 minutes MoM Cerny Ando was on hand to tap home the winner.

South Park moved up to second place but the Bears remained fourth.

Simmons said: “We are disappointed. Even though we scored early we didn’t really get going. We normally control the ball a lot better, but it became a hot potato which suited them more than us.

"We weren’t good enough on the ball nor in the final third and they deserved the three points. It’s a reality check for us all.”

The Bears are operating at a very high level in a competitive environment. There are some monster clubs like Margate, Hastings, Sittingbourne and Ashford in the division.

Heath are on a limited budget with just a few people doing most of the background work needed to run such an operation. One of their objectives is to raise awareness and get their home attendances trending in an upward direction.

If you’re in the area, go and check them out. They have home games on October 3 and 10 against Whitstable and Deal Town. You might get hooked.