I think the term “the business end of the season” is quite commonly used around this time of year, and it certainly fit the bill concerning Saturday’s clash with White Ensign at Lower Road. As we know, three teams were trying to secure their place in the ESL Premier for the 2025/26 season, and all three were desperate for a win that could possibly guarantee survival. By the end of the day, however, none of the three had secured that much-needed victory, and that meant that even though they were defeated on the day, The Bridge would finish above the bottom two and compete in the ESL again next season.

Stansted’s 6-2 home defeat to Saffron Walden Town meant that, although they could catch The Bridge total of 32 points, a vastly inferior goal difference (-43 v -24) would mean that The Bridge would finish above Stansted no matter what. With Sawbridgeworth Town also defeated, 2-1 at Takeley, Stansted still have a chance to save themselves, but for The Bridge, the worry is over, and survival attained.

This was always likely to be a difficult game for The Bridge, given the pressure of needing a win against opponents who have had a good season and are likely to finish 7th in the division. This assumption proved correct in what was a fairly even contest and, mostly, a midfield battle, and a game where few clear-cut chances were created. It was not surprising that there was just a solitary goal, and that came from a set piece. What was surprising was that the free kick that won it was fired low under the Hullbridge wall by Taylor Jacobi rather than high into the top corner by Jon Evans. It was enough to fool me and the Hullbridge wall and Dom Alexandru behind it as the ball skimmed along the ground on its way into the net, and it proved to be the only goal of the game.

After a quiet start, Kayne Roberts had probably the first shot of the game, but his effort was turned round the post for a corner by Ensign keeper Bradley Davison. Kayne was looking dangerous soon after, but Davison gathered. Meanwhile, at the other end, Taylor Jacobi’s shot went over the bar. A Piers Hatcliff cross nearly found the head of the latest Bridge number nine, Nikoly Zlatev, and soon after, Piers went over in the Ensign box amidst penalty shouts, but rather than a pen, Piers received a yellow card for an alleged dive. Call me biased, but it looked like a pen to me!

Connor Hart had gone close with a header that was cleared off the line by Albie Keith as the half continued with both teams trying to gain the upper hand, but the game remained quite even. That was about to change soon, though, as Ensign were awarded that free-kick just outside the Hullbridge penalty area. It looked like a dangerous position, and it proved to be so as Taylor Jacobi converted it to give the visitors the lead. The remainder of the half went by with just a Jon Evans (MM) header going wide, and the half ended with the score at 0-1.

At this stage, Stansted were 2-1 down, and Sawbo were 1-1, so there was all to play for in the second half, and we were hoping for some Bridge chances to get them back into the game. The midfield battle continued, however, and the long ball game that the Bridge had settled into was not producing the required effect, and shots on goal were limited. Zlatev couldn’t break free of his Ensign markers, and Riley Weir was looking dangerous for Ensign and had an effort hit the woodwork after being one-on-one with Dom Alexandru.

Stansted had levelled it to 2-2, and Sawbo were now 2-1 down, and I was now watching FWP on my phone almost as much as I was watching the match, and soon I liked what I saw as Stansted, presumably going for the winner they needed, were opened up by SWT who stormed ahead in the latter stages. Things going well elsewhere then, but still, The Bridge couldn't find the target as we entered the latter stages of the game at Lower Road also.

Right near the end, Jon Evans (MM) showed a nice piece of skill as he turned in the Hullbridge box and went over, and he received the second “diving” yellow of the day from referee Kola Adeyemi, which I thought was a bit harsh, but there you go, the man in the middle makes the decisions.

That was on 94 minutes, and the whistle blew very soon after as The Bridge suffered their 12th home defeat of the season. Not a classic by any means, but I've seen worse, and, ultimately, the goal was achieved thanks to results elsewhere. A nervy day was over, and The Bridge had survived, taking the pressure off the last two away games.

It’s been a difficult rollercoaster season on and off the pitch, but The Bridge can now move on to next season with renewed hope and, probably, another squad rebuild in the summer, although maybe not as extensive as the previous two close seasons. Before that tough, there are two more games for 24/25, so fingers crossed for those; not such a difficult watch now, but points from them would be nice as, now and always, we remain…





Connor has been good all season, be that in midfield or the back-four, and, once again, he stood out from the rest in a competitive but not inspiring encounter. Quite a straightforward decision to award Connor MOM for this one. Well played, mate.