Broadbridge Heath played host to Isthmian League Central Division side Bedfont Sports for the first ever meeting between the two clubs when they met at The BodyMould Community Stadium on Saturday for an FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying match.

Bedfont Sports, nicknamed ‘The Eagles’, have had a great start to the season with just one defeat in nine matches so ‘The Bears’ knew they’d have to be at their best to overcome their opponents and for the match Manager Chris Simmons decided to switch the team around a bit making four changes to the starting line-up, some positional changes and new signing Jake Lawrence on loan from Dorking Wanderers making his home debut.

The visitors took the lead on 6 minutes when a corner from the right was played to the far post by Adam Dougui and converted by Joe Smith coming in late to slot home from 6 yards.

Heath responded 3 minutes later when a Zac Young corner from the right was pushed away by The Eagles goalkeeper Lewis Everett under pressure from Heath players but Elliott Romain was on it in a flash to fire home a right foot shot from 12 yards into the right side of the net, his first goal for The Bears.

The Eagles had a great chance to regain the lead just before the break when they were awarded a penalty kick when George Frise’s cross from the left goal-line struck Jack Frankland’s arm as he dived across to block the cross, it looked a harsh decision on the Heath defender with the ball striking him from point blank range but you do see them given and the Match referee had no doubts, immediately pointing to the penalty spot. Dougui placed the ball on the spot, attempted to fool Alfie Hadfield with a stutter in his approach but then kicked the ball straight over the crossbar leaving the score all square at the break.

Both sides had chances to add to their score in the second period. Heath's new signing Jake Lawrence went close with a right foot shot from 16 yards that flew narrowly over the crossbar and at the other end Alfie Hadfield showed his quality saving a long range shot from Flatman.

The winning goal came 8 minutes from time when substitute Matt Hay's right foot blast from18 yards was well saved by Everitt but he played the ball straight into the path of Zac Young to drill the rebound into the net for his sixth of the season.

As the heavens opened and the rain came pouring down, Heath had a great chance to add a third when the ball found its way to Luke Staight on the edge of the penalty area who drilled a low right foot shot that Everitt saved really well low to his right but it remained 2-1 victory for Heath to progress into the next round.

Team: Hadfield, Frankland, Staight, Napper, Lowery, Terry, Dowdell (Bejashvili 69), Connell, Lawrence (Adam 80), Romain (Hay 80), Young (Marino 83).