Bridlington Town 2–2 Curzon Ashton
Bridlington win 4–3 on penalties
Bridlington Town produced a determined performance to overcome Curzon Ashton on penalties in the FA Trophy, with captain Ahmed Salam scoring twice during the match before converting the decisive spot-kick.
Reduced to ten men following Kyle Fanning’s second-half dismissal, the Seasiders appeared to be heading out when the visitors took an 86th-minute lead. However, Salam’s stoppage-time penalty rescued a 2–2 draw before Town secured a dramatic 4–3 shoot-out victory.
With a storm moving through, conditions at the HDM Energies Stadium were difficult, although less severe than those experienced during the midweek meeting with Bradford (Park Avenue).
Bridlington made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes. Salam’s free-kick struck the defensive wall, but the captain reacted quickest to the rebound and placed his follow-up into the bottom corner.
The Seasiders threatened again three minutes later when Destiny Nnenanya fired wide. Another Town opportunity was gathered by visiting goalkeeper Dowling in the 17th minute, while Alex Baird had little to do during the opening exchanges.
Town continued to defend their advantage, with the wall blocking an Alex Curran free-kick after 28 minutes. Baird then collected a cross from Richards before Amado sent a long-range effort over the bar.
However, Bridlington were denied a half-time lead when Harvey Roberts equalised in first-half stoppage time. His free-kick from around 30 yards took an awkward bounce in front of Baird, who stretched to reach the ball but could not keep it out.
The Seasiders looked to restore their advantage after the interval. Salam had another opportunity from a free-kick on the edge of the area in the 53rd minute, but Curzon’s defence cleared the danger.
Town’s task became harder in the 64th minute when Fanning was sent off following consultation between the referee and his assistant. Liam Tibbett replaced Luca Bolino as Bridlington reorganised with ten men.
The hosts stood firm under increasing pressure. Hayhurst’s free-kick was blocked before Baird saved Nolan’s effort in the 69th minute. Charlie Birdsall then replaced Nnenanya.
Curzon threatened again when Curran’s header struck the crossbar and Holmes’ follow-up was blocked. Baird also produced an important save during this spell, with determined defending denying further efforts during a goalmouth scramble.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Bridlington continued to create chances. Salam’s corner towards the back post was headed off the line, before the captain collected a clearance on the wing, drove inside and forced Dowling into a strong save.
The Seasiders suffered a late setback when Curran put the visitors ahead in the 86th minute. Toby Marriott and Eddie Kettlewell were introduced for Will Marshall and Stewart as Town searched for a response.
That response arrived deep into stoppage time. Awarded a penalty, Bridlington turned to Salam, who held his nerve in the 95th minute to score his second of the afternoon and send the tie to a shoot-out.
Baird gave Town an immediate lift by saving Curran’s opening penalty. Ben Tweed converted Bridlington’s first, with Alex Markham and Kettlewell also finding the net as Whitehead, Holmes and Sobowale scored for Curzon.
Dowling then saved Marriott’s penalty, leaving the shoot-out level at 3–3 after four attempts each. Hayhurst missed Curzon’s fifth, giving Salam the chance to settle the contest.
Having already rescued Town from the spot in stoppage time, the captain delivered again, converting the winning penalty to send the Seasiders through.
It completed a memorable afternoon for Bridlington, whose resilience with ten men and composure under pressure earned their place in the next round for the first time in 22 years.
Report & Photo by Thomas Fynn
