First League Win Secured in South East London Derby
We picked up our first league win of the season on Wednesday night, defeating Lewisham Borough 2–0 at the Ladywell Arena. Goals from Jack Keen and substitute Joe Quinnear ensured a deserved victory in the South East London derby, keeping us unbeaten on the road so far this campaign.
The evening started with some disruption as kick-off was delayed first by the late arrival of an assistant referee and then by a kit clash with the home goalkeeper. Once the game got going, though, we settled quickly and took control.
Our bright start was rewarded in the 11th minute when Jack Keen’s strike, helped by a deflection, crept inside the far post to give us an early lead. From there, we looked comfortable and created further openings, with Emmanuel Oshinowo and Adrian Brown causing problems from long throws and Anthony Skordilis going close with a deflected free-kick.
On a tricky pitch where the bounce was unpredictable, flowing football was hard to come by, but we restricted Lewisham to long-range efforts and kept them at arm’s length throughout the first half.
After the restart, we continued to create the clearer chances. The hosts fired wide when they did manage to work an opening, but our defence stood firm and goalkeeper Albert Penney went through the entire match without having to make a save — testament to the discipline and organisation shown across the backline.
The all-important second goal came eight minutes from time. Oshinowo switched play to Skordilis, whose dangerous low cross was forced in at the near post by substitute Joe Quinnear to secure the points and cap off an excellent team display.
Lewisham’s frustration showed late on as they were reduced to ten men in stoppage time, and shortly after the referee’s whistle confirmed a well-earned 2–0 victory.
Manager’s Reaction – Lee Roots
Speaking after the game, manager Lee Roots said:
“I’m really proud of the boys tonight. It was a tough pitch and a stop-start build-up to the game, but we stayed focused, started strong and got our rewards. Defensively we were excellent — to come away with a clean sheet and to limit the opposition to virtually no chances is a big positive.
I’m also delighted with the impact from the bench. Joe came on and got his goal at a crucial time, which shows the strength and togetherness in this squad. It’s our first league win of the season and we’ll take this momentum into our first home game on Saturday.”
We now look forward to our first home game of the season on Saturday 30th August, when we welcome Rochester United to Meridian Sports Club. The players and staff are eager to carry this momentum into the weekend and would love to see strong home support as we return to SE7.
Final Score: Lewisham Borough 0 – 2 Bridon Ropes
Goals: Keen (11’), Quinnear (82’)
Our XI: Penney; Kemp, Leacock, Norcott, Brown; Mahmut, Skordilis (Akinwunmi 83), Schoeffer (Bestman 88); Keen (Quinnear 72), Kasai (Fahey 65); Oshinowo (Da Lomba 90).
Unused subs: None.
Bookings: Kemp
