O’Connor Strike Shocks Title Contenders As Dockers Edge Win

Erith Town 1-0 Three Bridges FC

Match Report

Adam Woodward’s men stunned table-topping title contenders Three Bridges with a single goal to nil win, gaining a valuable three points for the Dockers in the process.

The boys in red and black went into the game showing real confidence, despite their recent bad run of form, and following a disappointing midweek loss to Chatham Town in the Kent Senior Cup.

But even though the odds were stacked very much against them, everyone could see that The Dockers meant business right from kick-off, with tremendous work rate and total commitment across the pitch resulting in some good early exchanges that produced opportunities in front of goal and left The Bridges clearly rattled after being dominated so well for the opening minutes.

The reward eventually came just before half-time when forward Manny Oluwasemo won the ball back in his own half, progressing it well and finding Destiny Oladipo. His shot was initially blocked but the ball sat up kindly for the on-coming Tom O’Connor who unleashed a rocket on the half-volley that nestled in the top corner past the outstretched arm of Sam Roberts. Three Bridges came back quickly, but Erith Town dug in to go into the break  a goal to the good.

The second half saw The Bridges come out fired up and looking to score quickly but Erith refused to allow them any momentum, stifling their attempts the whole half. While they rode their luck a little at times, Woody’s men showed fantastic heart, spirit and determination to stay ahead. Dockers’ keeper Harrison Firth was kept busy at times but pulled off a couple great saves when needed, Dexter Peter and Jerome Jayaguru marshalled the defence brilliantly and returning up front for The Dockers, Ollie Milton never stopped running, harrassing the Bridges defence all game and making sure they always had something to think about. a powerful free kick in the second half.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic though and The Dockers had some good chances to double their lead but couldn’t quite capitalise on them. A memorable win then, that has lifted Erith Town up to 16th place, and looking up up the table with away trips to Ashford and Sevenoaks to come.

Starting XI: Firth, Valler, Turner, Peter, Jayaguru, Devill, O’Connor, Oluwasemo, Oladipo, Milton, Olusesi.
Substitutes: Lewis, Connor, Duncan, McGeehan.