Highlights:
MATCH REPORT: East Preston FC 2–2 Bridon Ropes FC
Pre‑Season Friendly – Saturday 26th July 2025 | KO: 3pm
Venue: Roundstone Recreation Ground, Lashmar Road, East Preston, West Sussex BN16 1ES
The Ropes wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a competitive and encouraging 2–2 draw away at East Preston FC in front of a lively crowd on a sun-soaked Saturday afternoon at the Sussex coast.
Played in warm summer conditions and in front of a healthy turnout of local supporters and travelling Bridon fans, the match had a genuine buzz for a pre-season fixture. The atmosphere matched the tempo on the pitch, with both teams treating the game as a proper test ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Bridon began brightly, taking early control with crisp passing and good shape through the thirds. Within the first ten minutes, they created several promising half-chances, pressing with intensity and showing their growing confidence in possession. Their start suggested they had no intention of easing into the match.
But football can be cruel. Despite dominating the early phases, Bridon were caught on the break as East Preston’s No.9 pounced during a rapid counter-attack, finishing clinically past the helpless keeper to give the hosts a 1–0 lead. Importantly, goalkeeper Albe Penney—who turned in another composed display—was faultless for the goal and showed excellent decision-making throughout the afternoon. He was vocal, assured in his handling, and played a key role in managing the back line.
Bridon showed no signs of frustration. They continued to play their football and were rewarded just five minutes later. A flowing move down the right created an opening inside the area, and Sam Sarpong calmly slotted home to level things at 1–1.
Not long after, the tireless Patrick Da Lomba—a constant danger down the left flank—nearly turned the game on its head. Picking up the ball 20 yards out, he let fly with a blistering volley that had the home keeper beaten, but it fizzed agonisingly past the far post.
In midfield, young Joshua Schoeffer stood out with a mature and hard-working performance. Recently promoted from the reserve side, Schoeffer looked completely at ease at this level—pressing intelligently, keeping the ball moving, and putting in a real shift for the team. His emergence continues to be one of the success stories of pre-season.
Another strong contribution came from Manny Oshinowo, who put in an energetic display. He constantly found pockets of space in advanced areas, linked play superbly, and was at the heart of several Bridon attacking moves.
The sides went into the break level, but East Preston struck again just seconds after the restart. A defensive mix-up allowed their forward to pounce and fire a low drive into the bottom corner to restore the home lead—again, nothing Penney could do about it.
Once more, Bridon didn’t panic. They settled quickly, reasserting control with measured possession and intelligent movement. Their patience paid off midway through the second half, when Osman sent in a teasing cross from the right that caused confusion between goalkeeper and defender—sailing untouched into the far corner to make it 2–2.
Bridon pushed hard for a winner in the final stages. They created several excellent chances, forcing saves and threatening from wide areas, but despite the late pressure and vocal support from their travelling fans, the scoreline remained level.
Scorers:
Sam Sarpong, Osman
Next up: Bridon Ropes FC begin their 2025–26 league season under the lights on Monday 4th August 2025, away to Sporting Club Thamesmead at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ.
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Let’s see our supporters out in force as we start the season strong!
Support Your Squad:
With the new season just a week away, player sponsorships are now available to purchase directly from our website. It’s a great way to support your favourite players and the club as we embark on the new campaign. Let’s get behind the lads and show them the backing they deserve from day one!
Final thoughts:
This was a confident and well-balanced display from Bridon in challenging conditions and against solid opposition. There’s clear progression, identity, and energy in this squad — pre-season ends on a high note. Now, full focus turns to the league campaign. Up The Ropes!
