Peter Reid regales Robertsbridge

Peter Reid in good spirits at Robertsbridge Club after the game. Picture courtesy Simon Roe/TGSPHOTO

Reid, who won 13 England caps and played in the 1986 World Cup, managed Robertsbridge United’s second team for the day before taking part in a question and answer session at Robertsbridge Club.

A club spokesman said: “Peter had plenty of time to talk and pose for photos to connect with the locals, and then at Robertsbridge Club he mingled with the players and supporters before the Q&A session which had everybody laughing with his stories.

“Robertsbridge United FC would like to thank Steve from Breathe Sports, Peter Reid, photographer Simon Roe and Robertsbridge Club for making this an historic day for the football club.”

In terms of the game itself, a strong and bitter wind kept some people away, but a crowd of around 60 braved the elements to see the Bridge triumph 8-1 against Battle Baptists III at The Clappers.

The Bridge took an early lead in the Macron East Sussex Football League Division Six fixture when Michael Stone tapped in from two yards.

Despite having most of the play in the first half, the Bridge failed to increase their lead and poor marking from a corner resulted in the Baptists levelling three minutes before the break.

The half time team-talk from Reid inspired the Bridge and Justin Hardy restored their lead 10 minutes into the second period from Tom Ripley’s free kick. A Matt Winchester free kick sailed into the top corner on 65 minutes and Wayne Mewett netted the fourth Robertsbridge goal five minutes later.

Man of the match Ripley scored twice to make it 6-1. Five minutes from the end Adam Hardy headed in and then another Ripley cross found young Josh Goodsell at the far post to complete an 8-1 win.

It was rather fitting that Justin Hardy scored as it was his knowledge that won the competition through Breathe Sports to bring Reid to the match.

This coming Saturday, the first team is away to Hollington United in the Premier Division and the seconds are at home to Orington. Both matches will kick-off at 3pm.

After the football, the club is holding a race night at Robertsbridge Club from 7.30pm. It will be a fun evening and anyone is welcome, even if you don’t wish to bet. There will also be a raffle and all profits will go to the football club.