Bridon Ropes 2–0 Welling Town
SCEFL Division One Cup Second Round
Meridian Sports and Social Club, Charlton Park Lane
Wednesday 10 December 2025 7.30pm KO
Bridon Ropes progressed to the quarter finals of the SCEFL Division One Cup with a composed 2–0 victory over Welling Town thanks to second half goals from Jack Church and captain Taylor Fisher.
Manager Lee Roots named a strong side for the tie including the welcome return of Jamie Thuillier who slotted straight back into the centre of defence after re joining from Snodland Town. The evening also saw a debut for Ikenna Ogazi which was another positive milestone in a growing squad.
Starting XI
- Albert Penney
- Jamie Thuillier
- Oscar Walton
- Harry Grant
- Leighton Francis
- Jack Church
- Olusegun Akinwunmi
- England Kurti
- Taylor Fisher (C)
- Harley Baker
- Adrian Brown
Substitutes
12. Stanley Mills
14. Chandler Kasai
16. Patrick Da Lomba
18. Samuel Sarpong
19. Ikenna Ogazi
First half summary
The opening period was competitive with both sides organised and patient. Ropes enjoyed more sustained possession while Welling threatened mainly on the counter. At the back the returning Thuillier settled immediately and formed a solid defensive unit alongside Francis and Walton. The trio were composed in possession and strong in their duels giving Welling little encouragement.
Grant provided support screening in front of them and Penney dealt calmly with the few moments of danger that did arise. Despite good territory the first half remained goalless with Ropes looking the more likely to take control after the break.
Second half breakthrough
Church scores on 62 minutes
Ropes lifted the tempo after the restart and pinned Welling back for sustained spells. The breakthrough arrived when Ropes attacked down the right and a deep cross was delivered towards the back post. Church timed his movement perfectly rising above his marker to guide a firm header into the far corner. It was a well taken goal and a reward for his all round impact in midfield.
Fisher makes it 2–0 on 75 minutes
With Welling committing more players forward in search of an equaliser space opened up for Ropes to exploit. The decisive moment came when Fisher collected the ball on the halfway line showed great composure to turn his defender and strode into open ground. Reaching the edge of the box he shaped his body and placed a calm low finish into the bottom corner to double the advantage. It was a captain’s contribution delivered with real quality.
Substitutes contribution and debut moment
Roots made effective use of his bench and every substitute played their part. Mills brought fresh running and width Kasai helped retain possession Da Lomba added control in midfield and Sarpong worked tirelessly to maintain pressure on the ball.
There was also a first appearance for Ikenna Ogazi who settled quickly showing good athleticism and composure in his debut minutes.
Defensive platform led by Thuillier Francis and Walton
A key feature of the win was the stability provided by the back line. Thuillier’s return gave the defence presence and leadership while Francis and Walton contributed strongly on either side of him. Together the three provided a solid platform that limited Welling’s opportunities and helped secure a well deserved clean sheet.
Into the quarter finals
The 2–0 win sends Bridon Ropes into the quarter finals in the new year and continues a positive run in both league and cup competition. A clean sheet two well constructed goals a debut appearance and the return of a club favourite made it a satisfying night under the lights at Meridian.
Full time
Bridon Ropes 2–0 Welling Town
Church 62
Fisher
