Lordswood FC 1 – 1 Bridon Ropes FC
25 October 2025, 3pm KO
Bridon Ropes squad (matchday):
1 Albert Penney, 2 Kaya Mahmut, 3 Oscar Walton, 4 Jason Bye, 5 Zac Beedon (C), 6 Anthony Skordilis, 7 Pat Da Lomba, 8 Shegs Akinwunmi, 8 Sam Sarpong, 10 Paris Jackson, 11 Harry Grant, 12 Eduard Mare, 14 Ric Campbell, 15 Jack Keen, 18 Harley Baker, 19 Charlie Gray
In a competitive Southern Counties East League Division One fixture, Bridon Ropes extended their unbeaten October run with a well-earned 1–1 draw away at Lordswood, maintaining a perfect month with two wins and a draw.
Bridon began the match with purpose, pressing high and looking to exploit the flank via full back Oscar Walton, whose early forays down the left wing brought promise and threat. Equally impressive was debutant midfielder Harry Grant, whose calmness and assured passing allowed the team to retain control in midfield during the opening exchanges.
That control paid off midway through the first half, when Pat Da Lomba collected the ball in midfield, drove into the heart of the Lordswood defence, and with composure slid a low finish beyond the keeper’s desperate dive. The goal highlighted Bridon’s confidence and attacking intent.
At the back, goalkeeper Albert Penney was in commanding form. His shot-stopping was superb and his crisp distribution launched several attacks — a performance that easily merited Man of the Match honours.
The match turned again in the 30th minute when Shegs burst into the box but was cynically tripped by the Lordswood No. 5, yet the referee controversially waved play on. Just before half-time, Lordswood capitalised on a low cross to the back post their No. 7, unmarked, nodded home to make it 1–1. No chance for Penney on that occasion.
At half-time the scores were level at 1–1, but the Ropes resumed the second period with renewed energy. By the 70th minute all substitutes had been introduced, seeing debuts for Ric Campbell and Harley Baker, adding fresh legs and attacking impetus to the side. Throughout the remainder of the match, Lordswood’s attacking chances were limited, and when they did threaten Penney remained resolute, repelling shots with authority.
On his first outing, Walton stood out defensively and offensively at left back a promising addition to the squad. Alongside Grant’s composure in midfield and Shegs’ constant work rate, those contributions anchored a solid team performance.
Ultimately, the draw was a fair result. Bridon can take pride in preserving their unbeaten streak through October and demonstrating cohesion despite four debutants in the match day squad. Next up, the Ropes will look to build on that confidence as the season progresses.
