On Saturday afternoon, an Isthmian League clash unfolded at Culver Road, as Lancing hosted the unbeaten league leaders, Three Bridges. Spectators were in for an exciting match of football, with Three Bridges boasting an impressive record of nine consecutive undefeated league games. Lancing's faithful supporters, well aware of the stakes, aimed to create a less inviting atmosphere for their rivals.

In the early phases of the match, the first two opportunities took shape. Three Bridges' Camron Lawson tested the waters with a shot comfortably caught by Lancing's keeper, Louis Rogers. Ethon Archer then embarked on a progressive solo run up the pitch, his attempt at goal narrowly sailing over the bar. However, it was Lancing's Alex Laing who orchestrated the first genuinely menacing attack. Laing left his marker behind following an effective shoulder feint, inviting shouts and cheers from the home fans just before delivering a precise early ball into the box. The ball glided across the face of the goal, escaping the grasp of players from both sides.

In the 22nd minute, a Three Bridges defender failed to clear the ball away from danger. Lukas Franzen-Jones seized the moment, recovering the ball and slotting it into the bottom left corner, giving Lancing the 1-0 lead.

A mere eight minutes later, Three Bridges found themselves in penalty area chaos once again, struggling to get the ball away from pressure. Knory Scott displayed a hunger to repossess the ball in the box, quickly finishing it past the keeper to double Lancing's lead to 2-0. The home side maintained relentless pressure, harnessing the momentum in their favor. Lancing's Alex Laing, orchestrated yet another attack, making a bursting run into the midfield and threading a pass to Lukas Franzen-Jones, setting up a one-on-one against Three Bridges' Keeper Jasper Sheik. Sheik exhibited commendable reflexes, parrying the shot away for his defender, Brannon O'Neill, to retrieve. Unfortunately, O'Neill's clearance lacked strength, allowing Lancing to reclaim possession. Lancing's forward, George Taggart, retrieved the ball at the top of the box and unleashed a shot that deflected off of a Three Bridges defender, rendering the keeper helpless as the ball fell into the back of the net.

The score now at 3-0, reflected Lancing’s ability to capitalize on nearly every opportunity presented to them within 33 minutes of play. Despite Three Bridges’ attacking efforts, they found themselves lacking the necessary bite to truly trouble Lancing's defense. The defenders blocked shots and cleared danger, leaving the visitors visibly frustrated. Ethon Archer, however, persisted in menacing Lancing's back line, remaining active and launching attempts at goal. One such attempt, a powerful knuckleball from distance, forced Lancing's keeper to make a spectacular save, guiding the ball over the bar before the half-time whistle.

The second half commenced with Three Bridges launching another attack by Ethon Archer. Archer received a switched ball on the right flank, positioning himself for a one-on-one encounter with his marker. With a graceful shoulder drop, he drove towards the goal line and took a shot towards Lancing keeper Louis Rogers. Rogers made an important save to maintain a clean sheet for his side.

Despite conceding three goals in the first half, Three Bridges refused to falter and continued to forge opportunities. Lancing, on the other hand, showcased remarkable defensive organization, preventing any opportunities from slipping through.

In the 75th minute, Lancing's energetic Alex Laing earned his spot on the scoresheet. Laing received the ball in the box and calmly slotted it past the keeper. The match sealed a convincing 4-0 victory for Lancing, a result that marked a painful first league defeat for Three Bridges at Culver Road.