Academy kid Cassleman scores on debut for Three Bridges to book FA Trophy place

Missing four key players, young academy player Mitchell Cassleman was called up just 20 minutes before the coach left and made an immediate impact starting upfront.

After just 30 seconds he chased down a poor back pass to the keeper and stole the ball passing to fellow striker Elliott Romain, who took the opportunity and slotted home.

Royston seemed shocked with the early goal and let Bridges play the football while arguing among themselves.

On 14 minutes a well taken corner from Lee Carney found Marlon Maxwell at the back of the area and headed the ball back into the goalmouth. Cassleman, who was the smallest player on the pitch, headed the ball into the net to put Bridges 2-0 up.

Royston then rallied and started to put some good football together and if it wasn’t for two outstanding saves by Bridges ‘keeper Martin Grant they could have got back into the match.

The second half saw Royston come out of the traps after what you assume was a dressing down at half-time.

Bridges seemed to just sit back and absorb the pressure but after 15 minutes of continual attacks Royston thought they had got themselves back in the game with the goal of the match from Ross Collins, from 35 yards out he hit a screamer that flew into the top right hand side of the goal.

But the last 20 minutes of the match saw Royston lose their discipline which allowed Romain to get his second of the game and then saw no fewer than THREE Royston players being sent-off by referee George Sprague.

Bridges now travel to Cheshunt in the next round on October 19.

Bridges: Grant, Djiham, Leach, Forsdick, Maxwell, Parsons (Albangee 60), Peauroux, Carney (C), Romain, Cassleman (Philips 72), Elliott.Unused sub: Morey

Attendance: 160

Aerotron Man of the Match: Martin Grant