Dan Perry continued his recent rich vein of form with a late winner as Bridges took the points at The Artic Stadium.
After a goalless first half of unfulfilled attacking endeavour from both sides, the match took on a more feisty character shortly after the interval as Valley’s Nathan Green and Bridges’ Tad Bromage were cautioned in two separate, while related, incidents.
The deadlock was broken just before the hour when Cameron Lawson’s ball across the 6 yard box was turned past Valley keeper Chris Lewington by defender Connor Dymond while under pressure from Perry.
Denzel Gayle had a shot well saved by Bridges’ custodian Mitch Bromage after being played in by Anthony Edgar before the hosts struck back in the 71st minute.
After Gayle’s cross was headed clear for a Valley corner, Edgar’s resultant flag kick caused havoc in the penalty area as Green had a shot cleared off the line before his follow-up effort appeared to strike a defender’s hand. As the ball fell to Dymond 12 yards out, he leathered the ball through the packed goalmouth to fire Valley level.
Bridges had opportunities to restore their lead as Charlie Lambert’s low cross managed to evade everyone in the area before Parry missed a good chance, dragging a low shot across Lewington’s goal when well placed.
The winner came six minutes from time when a long ball out of defence from Joe Stone on the right appeared to be controlled with the use of an arm by Perry before the striker shot low past Lewington from the edge of the area.
MATCH RATING ****
PLAYER OF THE MATCH DAN PERRY (THREE BRIDGES)
ATTENDANCE 120