Here it comes the V Festival weekend and as usual Hullbridge players join the exodus to Chelmsford, ready to put their pictures on Facebook. Guess who is left to pick up the pieces every year third week-end in August....Anyway as a token gesture from the League Fixture secretary, who we are facing on the day? Title favourites Enfield....sure in future we should ask for an exemption or find a venue near V Festival!

Going back to footie, 7 outfield players is not an excuse because according ESL pundits this year Hullbridge has got strength in depth...Oh well at least that's what we thought! The reality is a bit different and after 29minutes rookie Bridge keeper, Priddle, saves an Enfield penalty given for a debatable handball from Hepburn, only for Enfield’s, Lee Benmore, to score from the follow up, beating some pedestrian and sky watching Bridge players. 0-1. Dan Stanley and debutant defender John Wheatstone are the only ones playing with a bit of purpose and inventive while the rest of their team mates are either playing tippy-tappy football in the wrong areas giving the ball away or launching hopeless balls forward for an attack that lacks real pace. An in-swerving free kick on the left from Dan Stanley is headed in from Mark Argent on 39minutes to make 1-1 and it seems like Hullbridge can get something out of it! It's only a flash in the pan and 4 minutes later shocking defending from Bridge allows Neil Hughes (Enfield not to be confused with our legendary Neal Hughes) a diving header from 5yards out and Enfield are now 2-1 up at the interval.

A few harsh words from the Bridge management trying to wake up an off colour Bridge team that is lacking in passion and resilience, two qualities that has been the trademark in the last 5 seasons. t's all in vain and just 27 minutes into the second half a 25 yards free kick from Wes Borghys goes in with Priddle unable to prevent it. 3-1 to Enfield. And on 95minutes, to add insult to injury, Wes Borghys beats an astounded Priddle from 30 yards to make 4-1 to Enfield. Game and set and match!

It's all back to the drawing board and training pitch for Hullbridge hoping that this month of V festivals, Las Vegas stag weeks, babies births, overtime at work, weddings, five a sides, operations and all the rest will be soon left behind! Sure missing experienced players like Hodgson, Baker, Webster, Ringer, playmaker Strachan, wide player Harris and goalscorer Bocking plus natters Oakley and Jason Baker ain't a great deal! After all we are Hullbridge,a big ESL club and shouldn't be a problem...yeah you think! Appalling someone commented in the after match conference.. Well might be that someone should be reminded where we have come from in the last 5 seasons. Next game please.
Up the Bridge