Three Bridges fall just short after spirited FA Trophy fightback at Dartford

Three Bridges produced another spirited performance on Saturday afternoon, fighting back from three goals down to push Dartford all the way in the FA Trophy before ultimately suffering a narrow 3–2 defeat away from home.

Despite another encouraging display from a plucky Bridges side, the result was a familiar disappointment, with the visitors creating opportunities to complete a remarkable comeback but ultimately exiting the competition.

Dartford started brightly and were almost ahead in the third minute when Hayden Neathey produced an excellent goal-line block to deny Ben Greenhalgh. Sam Roberts was then called into action in the 10th minute, producing an outstanding save to keep out a strike from Jesbinder.

Bridges gradually grew into the contest and began to look the more dangerous side, enjoying possession in the opposition half and applying increasing pressure. However, it was Dartford who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute through a frustratingly familiar weakness for Three Bridges this season. Unable to clear a corner, Bridges were punished when Vladimir Paternoster struck home from the rebound to give the hosts the lead.

The visitors continued to press in search of an equaliser, and Hayden Neathey came close with a wonderful effort from around 30 yards. Dartford goalkeeper Sanford did well to palm the strike over the crossbar, preserving his side’s advantage.

Yet, just as Bridges looked to be building momentum, Dartford struck again on the counter-attack in the 44th minute. A cross towards the back post eventually found Max Fiddes, who smashed the ball home to send the hosts into the break with a 2–0 lead.

Any hopes of a quick response were dealt a further blow six minutes into the second half. In the 51st minute, Fiddes collected the ball on the edge of the box and fired past Roberts to extend Dartford’s advantage to 3–0, seemingly putting the tie beyond Bridges.

However, Three Bridges refused to give up. Their response arrived in the 57th minute when Ade Adeyinka found space on the edge of the box and delivered a superb strike into the bottom-left corner to reduce the deficit to 3–1 and give the visitors renewed belief.

There was another proud moment for the club in the 62nd minute when 16-year-old Lewie Retter came off the bench to replace Reece Hallard, making his first-team debut and marking another significant milestone for the Three Bridges youth setup.

Bridges continued to battle and were rewarded for their persistence in the 78th minute. A ball into the box deceived Sanford, who failed to deal with it, allowing Leighton to finish into the unguarded net and make it 3–2.

With the momentum building, Three Bridges threw everything they had at Dartford during the closing stages. Both Leighton and Bennett came agonisingly close to finding the equaliser, but the hosts managed to hold on despite the late pressure.

The final whistle confirmed a 3–2 victory for Dartford and brought Three Bridges’ FA Trophy campaign to an end. While the result was another difficult one to take, the fightback from three goals down once again demonstrated the determination and character within the Bridges side.

Player of the Match – Carlos Richards

Carlos Richards was named Three Bridges’ Player of the Match after a lively attacking performance. Starting in the number 10 position before moving out to the wing in the second half, Richards remained a constant threat, delivering a series of excellent balls into the box and helping drive Bridges’ late push for an equaliser.

Next Fixtures

Three Bridges return to action with an away trip to Maldon & Tiptree on Saturday 31 October before returning to Jubilee Field the following Saturday, 7 November, to face Brentwood Town.