Match Report

Pre-Season Friendly
Bridon Ropes 1–3 Sutton Athletic
Saturday 12 July 2025 | KO 1:00pm
Venue: Meridian Sports Club

A scorching July afternoon – temperatures soaring to around 30 °C – greeted both sides at Meridian Sports Club, as Bridon Ropes hosted higher-tier Step 5 outfit Sutton Athletic.

Despite the heat, the hosts burst out of the blocks. Under the watchful eye of manager Lee Roots, Ropes dominated the first stanza, probing Sutton’s defence with pace and precision. The breakthrough came midway through the half when Patrick Da Lomba delivered a perfect cross that found Eman Bestman, who slotted home to give Bridon a deserved 1–0 lead at the break.

The respite of half‑time saw players retreat from the swelter, but the second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum. Sutton, one division above, regrouped and came out with renewed purpose. Their clinical edge told: they struck twice in the space of 15 minutes to take a 2–1 lead, combining physical presence with some sharp attacking play.

Bridon grafted hard to respond but were undone late on: Sutton hustled a loose ball into the net for a third, sealing a 3–1 comeback victory. Though disappointed, Ropes impressed: they matched Step 5 opposition in large swathes, carved out openings and played with intensity in oppressive conditions.

This performance underlines not just the progress ahead of the season opener on 2 August, but also the growing depth of the squad. Valuable game‑time was shared among developing and returning players — a positive sign as the side builds fitness and cohesion.

Next up is Punjab United, away, with a 7:45 pm KO. Under July sunshine or evening floodlights, Bridon will be eager to continue this strong pre‑season

Final Score: Bridon Ropes 1–3 Sutton Athletic