Although the game between VCD Athletic and Three Bridges had a bit of everything, only three points were on offer and it was the Vickers who claimed them.

The visitors scored in the first minute and with a minute remaining in the first half but were unable to hold on to their lead for more than three minutes either time. VCD bossed the second half and looked safe when two goals clear but a late mystery penalty set up a frantic finish.

If seven goals including two penalties and a comedy goal weren’t enough, there were also two yellow cards, a mass brawl and a last minute sending off to add to the mix.

There was less than a minute on the clock when Three Bridges went ahead, Reece Price-Placid broke down the right wing and crossed for Andre McCollin to tuck away unmarked.

However, within three minutes, the hosts were level. Kelvin Ogboe delivered a corner and Raphe Brown rose to power his header home.

Michael Aziaya made a heavy challenge on Sean Roberts and although he tried to soldier on the Vickers midfield man had to be withdrawn and replaced by Henry Ikeije.

Timi Toluwanile headed over from Dominic Odusanya’s cross before Jack Steventon fired well over.

At the other end, McCollinn split the VCD defence to send Tom Tolfrey away but he was unable to finish and shot wide of the near post.

Nathaniel Simpson came to the rescue for Three Bridges when clearing Toluwanile’s shot off the line at the end of some penalty area pinball then Alaster Gordon cut-in but shot wide. Dean Gunner made a brave block from a powerful drive by Brad Simms to keep the scores level as VCD pressed.

As half time approached, Three Bridges went back ahead. Simpson sent McCollin away and he showed all his experience to give Tony Coxall no chance in the VCD goal.

Again, the lead was short lived. A number of defenders stopped to appeal for an offside but the assistant referee was right to keep his flag down and when it came in to Ikeije, Aziaya made a rash challenge and a penalty was awarded. Ogboe stepped up and fired home from the spot.

Dominic Odusanya had a shot well saved by Kieron Thorp after the interval before his next effort was deflected wide.

Tolfrey had a shot at the near post saved before a slick Vickers passing move ended with Ogboe firing over.

Odusanya sent a free kick well over before VCD went ahead for the first time. By now, VCD’s quick passing and movement off the ball had Three Bridges’ defenders chasing shadows and one of their enterprising moves ended with Odusanya sending Toluwanile away for a crisp finish.

Substitute Solomon Taiwo was saved from an own goal by his goalkeeper Thorp but he wasn’t so lucky next time. He missed Ogboe’s angled ball completely to wrong foot Thorp and it crept inside the far post.

Another Odusanya run ended with a shot off target before Three Bridges were handed a lifeline. As a cross appeared to be over-hit the referee saw something that he didn’t like and awarded a penalty. A melee by the touchline followed with players from both sides charging in but after a long consultation with both of his assistants he didn’t even lecture anyone. After waiting three minutes, Tolfrey fired home from the spot.

Once more, Odusanya had a shot deflected wide before VCD killed the clock by keeping the ball by the corner flag. Three Bridges captain Gunner took exception and swung his leg wildly earning himself a straight red card.

Moments later the final whistle sounded and VCD were able to celebrate a well merited win to put their first points of the season on the board.

VCD Athletic: Coxhall, Steventon, Brown, Roberts (Ikeije (12), Eweka, Mahal, Simms, Gordon, Toluwanile, Odusanya, Ogboe. Unused subs: MacDonald, Vincent-Edwards, Olatunji, Rosenfield.

Goalscorers: Brown (4), Ogboe (45+2), (75), Toluwanile (62)

Yellow cards: Ikeije

Three Bridges: Thorp, Simpson, Hall, Gunner, Goode, Price-Placid, Tolfrey, McCollin, Berry (O’Neill 83), Aziaya (Taiwo 68), Douglas (Williams 12). Unused subs: Whitehead, Bromage.

Goalscorers: McCollin (1), (44), Tolfrey pen (87)

Yellow cards: O’Neill

Red cards: Gunner

Referee: Graeme Ions

Assistants: Harry Wager and Aaron Harris

Attendance: 65

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.