A narrow 1-0 defeat at Little Oakley on Saturday extended The Bridge losing streak to five games in a row, as Idress Namisi scored the winner for The Acorns. A recent signing from FC Clacton, Namisi settled the match with the winner in the 53rd minute, and The Bridge were unable to reply.

In a game that probably had more yellow cards than it had chances, seven players received the yellows and Namisi was the only one who could convert a chance into a goal that ultimately won the game for the home side. The Bridge probably edged the first twenty minutes of the first half although most of the play was concentrated in the midfield area with neither side able to create a worthwhile chance on goal.

Twenty-five minutes into the game and The Bridge had the first chance to register when a cross into the Oakley penalty area fell to Connor Hart who controlled the ball and shot at goal, with the ball going narrowly over the bar. The home side finally created a chance at goal and striker Darren Mills went close to opening the scoring when his shot was cleared off the Hullbridge line.

There was only really one more chance in the half when Nathan Rowe won a tackle and picked out Mills but his shot was saved by Bridge keeper Laurence Whymark.

Oakley started the second half well and Rowe won the ball in the middle of the pitch before passing into the path of Mills who just got to the ball before the advancing Whymark. Mills rounded the keeper but took too long to finish the job and Jack Nolde slid in to clear the danger.

The home side were now in the ascendency and having most of the possession and when Dan Rowe played a long pass to the wing where Mills just got to the ball before a Bridge defender, Mills supplied a pass to Idress Namisi whose on-target shot deflected off a Bridge defender and Whymark could do nothing to keep it out.

The Bridge still had plenty of time to get back into the match and Oakley keeper Billy Lawlor was forced to make a full-stretch save from a Piers Hatcliff shot from just outside the Oakley area.

The Bridge then went close from a free-kick outside the Oakley box that somehow fell to Oscar Jones, who was having a good game for The Bridge. He controlled the ball and shot in a superb Manoeuvre but Oakley keeper Billy Lawlor, who was also having a good game but, obviously, for the home side, pulled off the save of the match to keep Oscar’s effort out and the score at 1-0.

As the game neared its close, Namisi had one last opportunity but his shot was straight at keeper Whymark who dealt with it but, unfortunately, The Bridge couldn't get the leveller and it became another red L to add to the list.

For the seventh time in the league this season, The Bridge had lost a game by a 1-goal deficit. Fine lines I think they call it. So, we go again on Saturday at home to Takeley and let’s hope that we can turn that fine line in The Bridge’s favour. With Takeley having a good season and currently 3rd, the lads will need all the support they can get so as always…


I think this is Oscar’s first MOM award. He could have been on the scoresheet but for a good save by the Oakley keeper and had a good all-round performance. Congratulations mate, well deserved, and let’s hope it’s the first of many.