Three Bridges 0 Dorking 6: Bridges given a lesson in football

The home side started well enough and Tony Garrod had the ball in the net after good work by Abu Touray, but the off-side flag denied Bridges a goal.

Kieron Thorp then had to make a smart save from Jake Beecroft’s free-kick, while at the other end Gary Ross held onto Ben Godfrey’s deflected shot and then did enough to prevent Garrod from giving Bridges the lead as he latched onto a bouncing ball.

But two minutes before half-time, a free-kick was awarded against Drew Cooney and Tom Tolfrey clipped it in off the underside of the bar with Thorp a helpless spectator.

Bridges still fancied their chances as the second half unfolded, but a sumptuous volley from Tony Oakes doubled Dorking’s advantage after 52 minutes.

Hakeem Adelakun came close with a free-kick that went just over the bar, but after 61 minutes a good run by Kevin Terry ended with a close-range shot that might have gone wide but for clipping Thorp on the side and sneaking in.

But by now Dorking looked dangerous every time they attacked and Bridges seemed to tire as the game wore on.

A triple substitution midway through the second half had little effect either as within two minutes Matt Whitehead brought down Dane Luchford and Terry netted from the spot.

Dorking, having already replaced Tolfrey, immediately withdrew Terry as well, no doubt feeling that the points were safely on their way back home!

Jake Hill somehow contrived to strike the crossbar as Thorp put him off, but after 84 minutes Dean Gunner waltzed through three non-challenges to add a fifth goal.

Dan Evans then drove home another with three minutes remaining, and Dorking could have had a seventh when they were awarded another penalty, but Thorp saved Beecroft’s kick this time.

Straight to the other end and Garrod was just wide for Bridges, whilst a scissor-kick by John Lansdale came close and there was a last ditch clearance off the line.

But a consolation goal would probably have been more than Bridges deserved on a night where, for the first time in many years, the decision was made to not give anyone a Man of the Match award.

Bridges: K.Thorp; D.Mobsby; N.Brake (C.Donaghey, 65); J.Lansdale; D.Cooney; J.Crellin; A.Touray (M.Whitehead, 65); B.Godfrey (S.Sargent, 65); H.Adelakun; T.Garrod; S.MacVicar. Unused subs: M.Casselman; M.Daniel

Attendance: 81

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