Friendly

Thursday 11th July 2024

Kick Off 18.30 On Time!

Hullbridge Sports 2 Catholic United 1, attendance 42

53’ 1-0

67’ 2-0

69’ 2-1 (pen)

@ Hullbridge Sports Club, Pitch 2

Lower Road

Hullbridge

SS5 6BJ

No Admission or Programme.

I’d been to the stadium pitch here at Hullbridge Sports & Social Club back in October 1998, when I saw Hullbridge Sports beat St. Neots Town on penalties, after a 1-1 draw, in a midweek F.A. Vase 2nd Qualifying Round Replay and walking through the stadium to gain access to Pitch 2, I have to say, I have no recollection whatsoever of the ground. Hardly surprising I suppose….

Anyway, once through the stadium, you exit behind the far goal to a number of other pitches, with Pitch 2 running widthways in front of you. It had an excellent playing surface and is roped off and has a couple of dugouts (just frames, not covered) on the near side, whilst there is a small seated kit stand opposite.

The match was Essex Senior League (Step 5) versus Essex Olympian League Premier Division (Step7) with both teams having a squad of around 17/18 players. It was a decent contest and played with no hint of it being just a friendly. It was still goalless at halftime, with Catholic United having had a penalty saved being the best of the chances. Hullbridge broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half, cutting in from the right, before a one-two on the edge of the box was finished into the near corner. Midway through the half it was 2-0, heading a diagonal cross back across the box for a first time finish into the corner. Catholic pulled a goal back two minutes later, this time making no mistake from the penalty spot.