Three Bridges suffer narrow 1-0 defeat against league leaders

It came after only eight minutes when Sam Adams bent in a free-kick and Kenny Pogue headed home at the far post.

But from then on, it was a game where defences generally ruled, and Bridges had two heroes in the centre of their backline in the shape of teenager Owen Roberts and comparative veteran Nigel Brake.

Both had outstanding games as they helped to nullify the Hastings threat, but Bridges were equally frustrated by a resolute home defence that was always quick to close down the Bridges attack.Not that Bridges didn’t have half chances. Bayan Fenwick saw a low drive just held by Josh Pelling, while the ever wiling Elliott Romain created space for himself before testing Pelling too. But Tom Vickers was just wide for Hastings and the first half ended with a timely last ditch clearance by Samson Djimah as Ronnie Dolan closed in.

Brake had to clear off the line as the second half opened, but Romain hit a shot that was gathered by Pelling at the last moment and a dipping effort by Djimah almost caught the home keeper out.

Good interplay between Tony Garrod and Romain ended with the latter firing just over, while captain for the day Williams Peauroux came close twice as Bridges threatened to shock their hosts with an equaliser.

Bridges were open to the counter-attack and Martin Grant was forced to tip a fierce strike by Adams wide, but while Bridges were able to come away encouraged by their ability to compete, they still travelled home pointless again, something they need to put right as soon as possible if they are to survive.

Bridges: Grant, Djimah, Brake, Roberts, Leach, Maxwell (Parsons 60), Peauroux, Daniel, Romain, Fenwick (Touray 65), Garrod.

Unused subs: Attwater, Golding.

Aerotron Man of the Match: Nigel Brake