Bridges were clearly second best against a Deal side who weren’t afraid to hit long balls and put their visitors under pressure at every opportunity.
Bridges were hardly helped by conceding in the first two minutes, although there was little they could do to stop a wonder volley from distance by Jack Paxman. An even game was suggested when Kevin Rivera forced Adam Molloy to a great tip over just two minutes later, but that was about as good as it got for the below par visitors.
Deal never gave Bridges time or space to create many opportunities, and two minutes before the interval they deservedly doubled their tally. Will Tillman made a good close range save from Ben Chapman before a clearance off the line was then met by Tom Chapman, and it needed a good save by Tillman again to prevent the lively Ife Oni from adding a third as the first half edged towards its end.
But the third took just two minutes into the second half to arrive as a pass by Dan Ferreira put Tillman under pressure with Tom Chapman being the grateful recipient again.
Reece Hallard forced Molloy to a good save soon after, but apart from a few flashes from the likes of Hayden Velvick and Kevin Rivera, there was little spark from Jamie Crellin’s men going forward. Bridges defended reasonably well but were nearly caught out four minutes from the end of normal time when Ash Miller forced Tillman to a good flying save.
A long journey with little reward for once.
Bridges Man of the Match - Dan Ferreira.
This Saturday sees Bridges at home to Ashford United with hopes of a Playoff place fast receding.
Deal: A. Molloy, J. Paxman, J. Penny (A.Foster, 68), M. Page, T. Chapman (K. Smith, 83), M. Murray (A. Hatcher, 77), B. Chapman, Z. Hammond, I. Oni (A. Miller, 69), J. Kennedy (W. Hennessey, 30), J. Vincent. Booked - Hatcher (90+4).
Bridges: W.Tillman, D. Fereira, J. Hallard, H. Neathey, H. Velvick, N. Fisher, H. Woollard, N. Leighton, K. Rivera, R. Hallard. Booked - J.Hallard (90+1).