The Bridge FA Cup run for 2024/25 lasted for just one round as The Bridge were defeated by a decent-looking Grays side in what always looked like being a tough fixture. It was not really the draw that Hullbridge would have liked, and, in the end, the step four opponents proved to be too strong for the new-look Bridge side that had started the ESL well with two wins.

Today, though, was a step up and it proved to be a step too far, although The Bridge were never outclassed and 5-1 was a bit of a harsh scoreline in the end. In fact, it was The Bridge who started the better of the two teams, although Grays did hit the post in the very first minute with a decent effort from Bobby Unwin. Just seven minutes later The Bridge were in front when Adam Wright broke free down the right and sent a cross into the box that was missed by Kenedi Dariri and Charlie Morris pounced at the back post to prod home and put the visitors one up.

Nobody of a Hullbridge persuasion was fooled though as we knew this would be a tough game to win even with that early lead. After that goal, Grays began to have most of the possession and the pressure as they mounted their attacks, and a series of crosses were overhit or cleared by the Hullbridge defence. Luke Hirst and Alejandro Machado had efforts saved by Louis Shamshoum as Grays went in search of the equaliser. The Bridge, meanwhile, were finding it hard to establish any hold on midfield, and on twenty minutes the Grays pressure told when Luke Hirst’s shot was blocked but the ball came back to Elliott Sartorius who found the corner of the net off a slight deflection.

Grays were looking dangerous with Aron Gordon and Bobby Unwin causing problems and Luke Hirst looking lively. Alejandro Machado was another causing problems although he sounded like he should be playing in La Liga and soon The Bridge wished he was as The Bridge blocked one of his efforts only for the ball to eventually work its way back to him and he fired home a shot from the edge of the box that, this time, Louis couldn’t stop.

Most of the chances were now falling the way of the home side but The Bridge were still in the game and trying to get the ball forward to Mechack Asuka and Charlie Morris but the Grays back four were coping well. The trio of Hirst, Gordon, and Unwin were still causing problems but their efforts were either wide, over the bar, or saved by The Bridge number one, who was putting in a good performance to keep the Ath out.

Half-time arrived and the margin was still only one and we were in for an interesting second forty-five. A goal and Hullbridge would be right back in it but, just after the start of the second half, that third goal went to the home side when Bobby Unwin finally found the net after a decent run and a deflected shot off Jack Wilson.

It was now an uphill battle for the visitors but still, we thought there was a chance if we could get the next goal and Ollie Jenkins nearly did, as he broke from defence and strode through the Grays half before placing his shot just wide. 3-2 at this stage and the game would be in the balance but, to compound our misery, instead of 3-2 it was soon 4-1 when substitute Dhillion Sandhu crossed for a back post-tap-in by the man from La Liga, Alejandro Machado with his second goal of the game or should that be Segundo gol del Partido.

As both sides rung the changes from the bench, The Bridge, to their credit, kept going and it was very harsh that Grays added to their tally in the dying minutes when another substitute did the damage with a cross, this time Albert Perry and unmarked substitute Matas Skarna tapping home from right in front of goal.

Perhaps a harsh scoreline for The Bridge but a decent performance from a good Grays side who came back well and marched onto the next round at home to Witham Town. The Bridge couldn’t quite get to grips with that Grays midfield and the best team won but the boys should not be despondent, as they will learn lots from this game and it will help to make them stronger. So, the FA Cup is no more for 2024, let alone 2025 and it’s back to the ESL and an important away day at Athletic Newham (that’s actually now been changed to a home game at the T.J. Cottis) and a chance to bounce back quickly. As ever…

If you’re the keeper and you concede five, I guess MOM is not what you’d expect but Luis, for me, made some excellent stops and stood out from the rest of the lads, who battled hard but didn’t shine as much as I thought Luis did...I hope MOM compensates a bit for that bump on the head mate!