The Bridge Errington Challenge Cup participation for 2024/25 came to an abrupt end after just one round, as White Ensign won a tussle that they probably deserved to win. Thanks to a decent second-half performance, they were two up, with The Bridge chasing the game after an even first half that finished goalless.

Those of you who regularly read my stuff will know I make no secret of my appreciation of Jon Evans’ midfield skills and often made him MOM when he was at The Bridge. Ultimately, Jon would get the winner in this encounter with a well-taken free-kick…thanks Jon, that's how you repay me for all those MOM awards!

As well as Jon, ex-Bridge goalkeeper Bradley Davison was in the visitor's line-up, and former manager Enrico Tiritera (spelled correctly this time Enrico!) was on the bench as first-team coach so there was a bit of rivalry to add some spice to the game.

On to the game and The Bridge started well and, although there were no real clear-cut chances for a while, they were generally the better of the two teams early on. Both Michael Osei and Mechack Asuka had shots go over the bar in the opening exchanges before a Jon Evans cross missed everyone and drifted harmlessly wide. As mentioned, the game was fairly even although The Bridge were getting crosses in but were not able to fashion chances.

Mechack Asuka had another effort off target and a Bridge free-kick was cleared for a corner before the visitors started to gain some of the game and create some chances with the impressive Robbie Allen having a couple of decent efforts saved by Laurence Whymark. They also had a free kick and a corner, taken short, that came to nothing.

As the game went from end to end, The Bridge started to have the better of the play before half-time and Piers Hatcliff twisted and turned to create some space before firing a shot that hit the post, possibly just getting a slight touch from Bradley Davison that kept Piers’ effort out. As the ball was fired across the goal from the rebound, Mechack Asuka just failed to connect and the chance was gone. Shortly after, The Bridge came close again and Connor Hart’s shot hit the bar and bounced away. Piers was determined to get on the scoresheet and fired in another effort but it was caught comfortably by Davison to keep the score goalless at half-time.

Ensign started the second half on the front foot and were starting to get a certain amount of control in midfield but there was no sign of the first goal coming until an uncharacteristic error by Laurence Whymark who tried to play a short pass out but only found Robbie Allen who wasn’t going to waste the opportunity and netted for 1-0.

Shortly after, Allen had a shot go over the bar and Ellis Devereux had a shot saved by Whymark, whilst at the other end, Owen Bellamy won the chase to the ball and lobbed Davison but an Ensign defender headed clear, probably off the line, although it was the other end to me so I couldn’t confirm this. The Bridge were pressing for the equaliser and Piers Hatcliff’s effort was deflected wide and Danny Hurford’s cross drifted over the bar onto the top of the net. Sandwiched between these two attempts, an excellent through ball from Ensign’s midfield, I didn’t see who but I suspect Jon Evans, found Chinedu Duru who was well-placed to score but dragged his shot wide.

Ensign were then awarded a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the Hullbridge penalty box and up stepped Jon Evans to take it. He didn’t let me down or he did, if you see what I mean and his free kick found the net to give the visitors a 2-0 advantage. As substitutes started to arrive in droves, there was now a big question of whether The Bridge could get back into the game with most Bridge fans casting doubts. Ollie Jenkins pushed up to centre forward to add aerial threat and there was a big penalty shout when he went down in the box but the referee wasn’t impressed and waved the play on.

The Bridge were now throwing everything at the Ensign penalty area and Louis Bragg fired a superb effort that Bradley Davison punched away before another Hullbridge attack was partly cleared but bounced around the Ensign box until Ollie Jenkins lashed it home for 1-2. Could The Bridge get an equaliser?

Piers Hatcliff fired in a shot but it was blocked and then a cross flew across the goal but nobody could get on the end of it and it went wide. Time was now ticking and Robbie Allen, in what was now a rare Ensign foray forward, hit the target but Whymark saved. As time began to run out, The Bridge peppered the Ensign penalty box and Callum Knowlden headed over twice but it wasn't to be, and the visitors held out for the victory.

With another cup exit, Season 2024/25 has just the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy and ESL Premier respectability to play for but there’s loads of football still to come and I’m sure there will be some good times as well as some bad but anyway…

Piers has really started to find his feet in the last few games and he caused Ensign lots of problems and was unlucky not to score when his shot came back off the post. He is starting to have a big influence on games from both wings and stood out on the night. A nod of approval also to ‘Uncle’ Michael Osei who put in a typical battling midfield performance.