The first 40 minutes of this game proved to be evenly matched with both sides playing competitive football but defences remained on top. As the half-time approached it was Long Lee who almost broke the deadlock. First an excellent strike from 25yds brought an even better save from Dave Bainbridge diving high to his right to push the ball out for a corner that he subsequently gathered with confidence. Only a couple of minutes later his services were called upon again as for the first time in the match a striker got behind the defence following some neat wing work. It looked odds-on that the home side would take the lead but Bainbridge dived bravely at the striker’s feet to divert the danger.
Long Lee started the second half as they finished the first pushing Bronte back and forced a corner. The Wanderers defence obviously hadn’t woke up from the half-time break as the cross found Long Lee players queuing up un-marked at the far post. This time Bainbridge had no chance as the ball was headed into the net.
Bronte fought hard to respond and good passing through their mid-field finally opened up the Long Lee defence as Gaz Ritson cut through. As in the first half with Bainbridge Long Lee’s keeper made a great stop. Bronte continued to build their game and had plenty of possession but they just couldn’t break down a stalwart defence. Although Long Lee were being restricted to counter-attacks it was from one of these that they increased their lead. It looked as though their attack had broken down but determination from their strikers won the ball back and suddenly the ball was in the back of Bronte’s net.
Though the Wanderers continued to strive to get back in the game something clearly was missing. It came as no great surprise when long Lee made sure of the result late on. Breaking from defence they mounted a determined attack and almost seemed to play with the Bronte defence before smashing in their third goal despite Bainbridge’s efforts.