Three Bridges knocked out of thrilling cup semi-final
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BRIDGES lost a pulsating RUR Cup semi-final 3-2 at the hands of County League leaders Rye thanks to a late winner from Sean Kelly, but both sides came out with a lot of credit despite being without key players through a combination of suspensions, injuries and holidays.
The game had an explosive start with both teams scoring within the first four minutes.
James Grant appealed in vain for a throw-in as the ever dangerous Liam Upton broke away on the right after two minutes, waltzed across the face of the goal and then laid the ball into the path of Wes Tait to give Rye the early advantage.
But Lee Carney cancelled that lead out from the penalty spot after Abu Touray had been clipped on the back of the heel by Ben Radley.
Charlie Cooke, Elliott Romain and Tim Rivers all came close to putting Bridges in front, but finally after 28 minutes the excellent Carney won possession, drifted wide right and then delivered the perfect low cross for Touray to slam in.
Rye were level again within six minutes when Upton got the better of Cooke, the only player cautioned all evening by an excellent referee, and shot across goal into the far corner of the net.
Bridges’ keeper Simon Lehkyj had to leave the action at half time after he’d injured his shoulder in a fall, but it was Rye keeper Josh Pelling who was the busier of the keepers as the second half unfolded.
Excellent play by Grant ended with Marlon Maxwell being denied by a last ditch tackle, while Touray and Carney combined to set up Tim Rivers, who was denied by the post!
Rob Woodward had to make some timely interceptions as Rye threatened again, and there was a good shout for a penalty turned down as Bridges’ defence had to show its mettle.
But a poor clearance five minutes from time gave Kelly the chance to hit a speculative 25-yard lob that beat Woodward all ends up, and Bridges will left to rue what might have been.
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Weather for Crawley
Sunday 27 May 2012
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