With no midweek game and the next round of the FA Vase on Saturday going ahead, unfortunately without The Bridge, a mid-season friendly was slotted into the schedule with a challenging fixture against Step 4 Maldon & Tiptree.

Against a backdrop of Bonfire Night fireworks lighting up the Hullbridge sky, the young Hullbridge team gave a good account of themselves against their higher-level opponents. Maldon & Tiptree are currently 18th in the Isthmian League North and I'm not sure how strong a team they fielded but The Bridge gave them a good test on the night.

The visitors took an early lead not long after kick off but The Bridge hit back with an equaliser from young Sidney Short, a member of the U18 side.

M&T made it 2-1 when their centre-forward had time to get the ball under control in the box and his shot took a slight deflection on it's way into the net to give the visitors a 2-1 half-time lead.

An even second half remained goalless and the final score of 2-1 reflected a competitive game that The Bridge played a full part in. As we brought on the subs in the second half, at one point we had a full 11 under 20 years of age, 8 of which were under 18 which shows how well The Bridge production line is working with Alex Crouch and James Barnard both making debuts from the youth section along with scorer Sid.

Below are, with apologies to Nicky Hayes and Neil Hunwicks, some shots of the action!