Highlights
Bridon Ropes 2–0 Banstead Athletic
Saturday 4th October 2025 – 3pm Kick Off
Southern Counties East League Division One
Venue: Meridian Sports & Social Club, Charlton
Attendance: 135
Occasion: 90th Anniversary Match
A Day of Pride, Passion and Perfect Football
You could feel the history in the air before a ball was kicked. Bridon Ropes’ 90th Anniversary match was always going to be special, and it didn’t disappoint. From the pre-match buzz to the post-match cheers, this was a day that reminded everyone what community football is truly about.
The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich joined the celebrations, while past players and club figures spanning decades lined the touchline, sharing memories and applause. The mascots from Leigh Stationers Primary Academy led out the teams, their excitement lighting up the occasion as flags waved and the crowd roared.
Blustery but Brilliant
It was a day of swirling winds and proud hearts. The blustery conditions at the Meridian Sports & Social Club made simple passes unpredictable and high balls a lottery. Yet Bridon Ropes handled the elements far better than their visitors, showing grit, organisation, and a touch of class when it mattered.
The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute, and it was a moment of pure magic.
Olusegun Akinwunmi – “Shegs” to the faithful – picked up possession nearly 30 yards from goal. One touch to steady, one glance up, and then a strike of thunder. The ball rocketed towards goal, crashed against the underside of the bar, and bulged the net. The crowd erupted. The goalkeeper could only look skyward in disbelief. It was unstoppable and already a contender for Goal of the Season.
Ropes took that 1–0 lead into half time, deservedly so, having managed the wind and tempo with intelligence and control.
Second Half Control and Celebration
The home side came out for the second half with a spring in their step, roared on by 135 loyal supporters. The passing was crisp, the pressing coordinated, and Banstead found themselves penned in for long spells.
The decisive second goal came in the 70th minute, another set-piece straight from the training ground. A free kick near the halfway line was expertly delivered by Anthony Skordilis, arrowing deep into the Banstead box. Rising highest, substitute Sam Sarpong, on for Emmanuel Oshinowo, met it perfectly. His header flashed beyond the goalkeeper before he could react. Two–nil, and the celebrations told you how much it meant.
There was time for Paris Jackson to think he’d added a third, only for the flag to deny him for offside – a tight call, but one that didn’t dampen the mood. From there, Bridon Ropes saw out the match with composure, professionalism, and pride.
When the final whistle blew, it wasn’t just the end of a game – it was the celebration of 90 years of graft, glory, and togetherness.
Full Time: Bridon Ropes 2–0 Banstead Athletic
Scorers: Akinwunmi 33’, Sarpong 70’
Bridon Ropes FC Line-Up
| No. | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albert Penney | |
| 2 | Zachary Beeden (C) | Captain |
| 3 | Kaya Mahmut | Sub off 74′ (A. Brown on) |
| 4 | Jason Bye | |
| 5 | Charlie Norcott | |
| 6 | Anthony Skordilis | Assist (70′) |
| 7 | Charlie Gray | |
| 8 | Olusegun Akinwunmi | Goal (33′) |
| 9 | Emmanuel Oshinowo | Sub off 72′ (S. Sarpong on) |
| 10 | Chandler Kasai | Sub off 65′ (P. Jackson on) |
| 11 | Tony Newbrook | Sub off 78′ (P. Da Lomba on) |
Substitutes Used:
12 Samuel Sarpong (72′ for Oshinowo) – Goal 70′
15 Patrick Da Lomba (78′ for Newbrook)
16 Paris Jackson (65′ for Kasai)
17 Ayodeji Akinsuyi
19 Adrian Brown (74′ for Mahmut)
