Nantwich Town - 0 Bamber Bridge - 1

Bamber Bridge continued their winning run in the Northern Premier league on Saturday with a 1-0 victory at The Optimum Pay Stadium, home of Nantwich Town. The win was the 4^th on the spin for the Briggers and sees the Lancashire side in 4^th place in the early season League table.

A venue that has never been kind to Bamber Bridge and a notoriously difficult place to pick up points, making this victory all the sweeter. A bright start from Brig saw a high ball into the box towards Ewan Bange, as the Brig striker rose to head the ball goalwards the home keeper came to punch clear but looked to have caught the Big man in the face rather than the ball. Ewan received treatment for a blooded wound before being able to continue. The opening exchanges were end to end without either keeper being really troubled. A Danny Forbes through ball following a fine run sent Bange into the box but the keeper arrived first to smother the ball.

The teams on to the pitch at the Optimum Pay Stadium

Great wing play down the left saw Isaac Sinclair and Mark Yeates combine before Yeates whipped in a low cross, but Ewan Bange’s 1^st touch gave the keeper the chance to dive on the ball. Moments later a Brig attack down the right ended as a Callum Spooner cross cum shot fizzed across the goal mouth, the keeper diving forward to punch it to safety. Bamber Bridge were now growing into the game and enjoying the bulk of possession. Ryan White was next to test the home keeper with a shot from 15 yards that was comfortably held by the Dabbers stopper.

Nantwich were dangerous on the break and Danny Forbes was called into action making a great diving save to turn the ball around the post for a corner from a fierce shot. As the game ebbed and flowed, Isaac Sinclair cut in from the left and struck a shot from the corner of the penalty area, again the home keeper was on hand to make the save. With the game heading into 1^st half stoppage time, Brig took the lead. Mark Yeates provided the low ball in to the box from the right and Ewan Bange controlled the ball before firing home from 8 yards for his 4^th goal of the season.

There was still time in the half for a Danny Forbes piledriver from 20 yards that was heading for the bottom corner of the net before a defenders leg deflected the ball away for a corner. Half time and Brig led 1-0

The Optimum Pay Stadium - The name rolls of the tongue doesn't it !!

The home side were out on the pitch a good 2 or 3 minutes before Brig, so a response was expected. Nantwich roared out of the traps, Danny Roccia called into action almost immediately, a shot deflected for a corner and Danny rising well to punch clear form the corner kick. Brig then had two chances to increase their lead. A deflected Mark Yeates shot from 12 yards following terrific work by Rob Apter led to Brig corner. The corner was cleared but returned superbly by Isaac Sinclair, Ewan Bange got a good connection with his head from around the penalty spot but the ball cleared the cross bar by inches. The home side then began to dominate possession and put the Brig backline under immense pressure. Danny Roccia again came to the rescue as he raced off his line diving at the feet of the Dabbers forward to make another top save.

With the home side now dominating possession Brig Manager Jamie Milligan made a change on the hour replacing Mark Yeates with Sheldon Green. The bombardment continued however and it was Danny Roccia again just minutes later pulling off the save of match diving full length to save what looked certain to be the equaliser. Matt Thompson became the 2^nd Brig change as he replaced Matthew Flynn. Brig chances were now few and far between as the whole team dug in to keep the hosts out. A Ewan Bange half chance was cleared just as he shaped to shoot. Nantwich then again came close as the game entered the final 15 minutes, shot flashing just wide of the post.

On 77 minutes Matt Dudley came on to replace Rob Apter as the home sides dominance began to falter. Brig were looking confident of keeping the home side out and started to imposer themselves as an attacking threat again. A Brig corner was half cleared and fell to Matt Dudley who struck a shot inches wide from 12 yards. The Brig striker admitting later he was disappointed not to have found the target with that effort.

Nantwich hadn’t completely given up though and Danny Roccia once again was tested and came out on top with a double save to keep the Brig lead intact. Danny then calmed the last minute nerves rising high to claim a corner at the back post. The referee signalled 4 minutes of added time, but it was Bamber Bridge who were finishing the stronger. Isaac Sinclair struck a shot which sailed out of the ground (that’ll do nicely) after good work from Matt Dudley, then Ewan Bange tried an audacious back heeled effort from a Sheldon Green pass, the home keeper not fooled though and made a comfortable save. The last action of the match, fittingly brought another fine save from Man of the match Danny Roccia. The referee blowing the full time whistle as the Brig keeper cleared up field.

Ewan Bange and Rob Apter giving their thoughts on the match after the 1-0 victory

Following 3 great victories with flowing football, this for me was the result of the season so far. The lads had to grind out the victory in the 2^nd half and they did just that. A fabulous team performance. The Brig players and staff, as on Tuesday evening at Morpeth came over to the Briggers behind the goal to high five the applauding fans.

Nantwich Town – 0 Bamber Bridge – 1

Bamber Bridge: Roccia, Spooner, White, Flynn, Wilson (Capt.), Forbes, Apter, Boyle, Bange, Yeates, Sinclair

Subs: Churchman, Dudley, Green, Thompson, Higham

Attendance: 351

Bamber Bridge returned from Craik Park, home of The Highwaymen of Morpeth Town on Tuesday evening with all 3 points following a terrific display, coming from 1 goal down to win 3-1. The match was the first game to be played on the brand new 3g synthetic pitch at the picturesque North East stadium and drew a bumper attendance of 780, including a hardy bunch of 11 Brig supporters.

The game started in cagey fashion with both sides trying to come to terms with the new surface. Morpeth had the 1^st attempt of the game on 10 minutes, a shot from distance that Danny Roccia in goal for The Briggers, saved comfortably. Seconds later and the home side had the ball in the net but the Linesman had his flag raised for offside.

Lovely sunset over Morpeth Town FC

Bamber Bridge slowly but surely started to build their way into the game. Danny Forbes fired in a shot following a diagonal run but it flashed wide of the post. A Mark Yeats free kick from the left of the penalty area was then headed clear, returned and found Isaac Sinclair, who’s header dropped inches wide. With the visitors now on top, Ewan Bange seized on a loose back bass and forced the keeper to hurriedly clear, Rob Apter trapped the ball 25 yards from goal but he dragged his shot and it missed the target. Apter again moments later tried his luck from distance but again the effort was wide of the post.

Brig looked the far more likely to score at this stage. Mark Yeates chipped in a cross from the left wing that evaded everyone in the area and clipped the far post, Isaac Sinclair then troubled the same post with a 20 yard daisy cutter. However, the opening goal of the match came at the other end, a corner was pushed away by Danny Roccia but smashed home from 10 yards to give a Morpeth the lead against the run of play.

The Stadium is completely surround by tress and woodland

Lifted by the goal the home side pushed on and Danny Roccia made a superb diving save to keep out a powerful shot from the edge of the area. Brig responded and as the half drew to a close had a real opportunity to level the scores. A low cross from the right wing was controlled in the penalty area by Ewan Bange who turned and got in a shot from 8 yards, the home keeper dived to his left and pushed it around the post for a corner. Half time and the host led 1-0

A 2^nd half change for the Lancashire visitors saw Chris Churchman replace Danny Forbes. The early exchanges of the half saw an Isaac Sinclair cross from the left that Ewan Bange stretched for but the ball agonisingly, was just out of reach and ran across the 6 yard line and was cleared. Another Sinclair run ended when he was tripped just outside the box. Mark Yeates stepped up, his free kick over the wall dropping inches wide of the keepers right hand post. At the other end Danny Roccia then pulled off another superb save, flicking the ball over the bar from a point blank header.

The "Marquee" Stand at Craik Park

On the hour, the deserved Bamber Bridge equaliser arrived. Another free kick from roughly the same position as his last effort allowed Mark Yeates a second opportunity, this time his free kick curled over the wall and nestled in the bottom corner of the net, much to the delight of the Brig supporters behind the goal. Buoyed by the goal Brig went on the offensive, A flick on from Ewan Bange sent Rob Apter clear into the penalty area, he chose to go high with his shot and The Highwaymen keeper got his hand to the ball and flicked it over the bar.

Bamber Bridge made a second substitution with Sheldon Green coming for Isaac Sinclair who'd had another fine game. Rob Apter saw a shot saved at the second attempt as he cut inside from the left of the penalty area before another Brig free kick for a foul on Callum Spooner gave Mark Yeates another chance. This time his free kick went through the wall but was saved by the keeper.

With the game entering the final stages Brig made a 3^rd change, with Matt Dudley replacing Mark Yeates and it was “Dudders” who gave the visitors a deserved lead on 88 minutes, A low ball in to the area from the left was controlled by Dudley, and smashed under the keeper from 10 yards prompting wild celebrations on the terrace behind the goal. The points were sealed 3 minutes into injury time as Rob Apter was tripped in the penalty area has he shaped to shoot. Ewan Bange stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way to claim his 3^rd goal of the season and Brig’s third of the night.

A large crowd in attendance to watch The Bamber Bridge victory

Moments later and the referee blew full time whistle. The Brig players and staff, to a man (and woman) came over to the Brig fans behind the goal and shook the hands of every supporter. A very well received gesture.

A fabulous display and fully deserving of the 3 points. With every player putting in a great shift. Special mention for Danny Roccia in goal who made several top drawer saves. As the supporters returned to the clubhouse it’s worth noting the Morpeth Town supporters, whilst being disappointed at their defeat where thoroughly gracious in their praise for the Brig display. This really is a superb place to visit.

Full time: Morpeth Town – 1 Bamber Bridge – 3

Bamber Bridge: Roccia Spooner, White, Flynn, Wilson (Capt.) Forbes, Apter, Boyle, Bange, Yeates, Sinclair.


Subs: Churchman, Dudley, Green Thompson, Gourley

Attendance: 780

Saturday 14^th August 2021

Northern Premier League

  Buxton - 3 Bamber Bridge - 0 

Bamber Bridge succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Buxton FC on the opening day of the 2021 / 22 Northern Premier Season at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A Harsh scoreline given the balance of play over the 90 minutes, but in truth the Lancashire visitors created little to trouble the home goalkeeper. Buxton by contrast took their chances when they came and also had the luxury of missing a penalty.

Having waited almost 9 months for a competitive League Fixture Brig found themselves facing one of the title contenders in their first fixture of the season. The Lancashire side lined up with new loan signing Dylan Boyle from Fleetwood in midfield and both Rob Apter and Ewan Bange, on loan from Blackpool FC making their League debuts.

Turns out, this isn' the Kings Head !!!

Following a cagey start from both sides it was Buxton who had the first opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty following an adjudged foul by Chris Marlow as he challenged the home striker who had controlled a long diagonal ball in to the penalty area. Goose received a yellow card for his efforts and then watched on as the spot kick crashed against the crossbar and was cleared.

The relief was short lived however when just two minutes later a sloppy back pass allowed The Buxton centre forward time and space to slide the ball past the advancing Brig keeper to give The Bucks an early lead. Bamber Bridge were struggling to create any clear cut chances but came close on 25 minutes, just moments after Danny Roccia had rescued the visitors with a fine blocked save and cleared for Ewan Bange who burst forward, side stepping a defender before striking a 20 yard effort just over the bar. The Brig keeper was called into action again on the half hour, this time diving to his left to save a shot from inside the penalty area.

At the other end, as the game ebbed and flowed, Danny Forbes chested down the ball in The Buxton penalty area before turning and firing in a shot that again just cleared the Buxton crossbar. Brig were enjoying a good spell of pressure at this stage of the first half and Forbes again came close when he got his head on to a Rob Apter cross from the right. The home keeper however was well placed to make a comfortable save.

This is The Kings Head, but \kev is clearly not happy with his pint !!

Just as it looked like Brig would go in at the break trailing by a single goal, the hosts doubled their advantage with the last action of the half. A free kick from deep on the left was controlled superbly in the box and fired home from 15 yards to give The Derbyshire side a two goal half time lead.

Buxton started the 2nd half on the offensive and Brig were forced onto the back foot, twice clearing the ball off the line in the opening stages of the half. A Bamber Bridge free kick on 55 minutes from just outside the area was well struck but again the Buxton keeper was well placed to gather the ball comfortably. Rob Apter then saw his curling effort headed clear off the goal line after he had cut inside from the left wing. 

Brig made two changes on the hour with Ryan White and Jamal Crawford replacing Rob Apter and Isaac Sinclair. Brig continued to  play some neat and tidy football, but in truth never really threatened The Buxton goal. Matt Dudley replaced Mark Yeates as the match entered it’s closing stages. With minutes remaining, Ryan White found space on the left, beat the full back and delivered a fine cross that was cleared for a corner. Danny Forbes met the corner with a fine header but it was cleared off the line and the danger passed.

The Brig Cat and the Buxton Buck

As the game entered stoppage time Buxton grabbed a third to give the score line a slightly flattering look. A 25 yard effort that looked to take a deflection off a Brig defender causing the ball to loop over the Brig keeper and dropped into the back of the net. Seconds later and the referee brought proceedings to a close.

A 3-0 defeat for Bamber Bridge against a side much fancied to challenge at the top end of The Northern Premier League. In summary, Brig ended up well beaten in a game they were never outplayed in. The home side took the chances when they came, Bamber Bridge in contrast didn’t really carve out any clear cut openings.

It’s the first game of the season and there was much to be positive about in the Bamber Bridge performance. Three debutants and Brig were neat and tidy in possession. The games will come thick and fast in the opening weeks of the season and Brig will need to be ready to meet the challenge, starting this Tuesday night when Hyde Unite are the visitors to The Sir Tom Finney Stadium

Full Time: Buxton - 3    Bamber Bridge - 0

Att: 400

Bamber Bridge: Roccia, Marlow, Spooner, Flynn, Wilson (Capt), Forbes, Apter, Boyle, Bange, Yeates, Sinclair

Subs: Dudley, Churchman, Gourley, Crawford, White.

  

Bamber Bridge - 0   AFC Fylde - 3 

Bamber Bridge’s penultimate pre-season friendly ended in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of an impressive AFC Fylde at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Tuesday evening. Brig played some neat and tidy passing football but ultimately it was the visitors from Kirkham claimed a comfortable victory.

Bamber Bridge had 3 players making their home debuts. Ewan Bange and Rob Apter on loan from Blackpool and Brayden Shaw, previously of Accrington Stanley all started the game on a glorious summers evening. It was AFC Fylde who started quickly and almost opened the scoring on 3 minutes but a shot from the edge of the area drifted wide of the post. Brigs early response came from a Rob Apter free kick form 25 yards which cleared the crossbar. The “Coasters” were on top and twice Brig keeper Alex Cameron was forced into smart saves, before Ewan Bange at the other end of the pitch connected with a Chris Churchman cross, but he couldn’t keep the header down and it sailed over the bar.

Brig looked to have settled well midway through the half and started to spray the ball around the pitch. Isaac Sinclair then produced the best effort of the match as he drifted inform the right, beating two defenders before striking a superb effort that cannoned off the crossbar. Rob Apter then saw a volleyed effort just miss the target as Bamber Bridge continued to push the visitors back.

match action courtesy of @afcfylde

With the half drawing to a close, Chris (Goose) Marlow tried an audacious chip from fully 40 yards but the keeper watched it drop beyond the post and wide. Moments later and Fylde were awarded a penalty, an over hit back pass forced The Brig keeper to try and control the ball on his chest, as the ball dropped the Fylde forward put him under pressure and Cameron was forced to stretch for the ball, clipping the legs of the Fylde forward in the process resulting in a spot kick. This was dispatched in to the keepers’ bottom left hand corner despite a valiant attempt to keep it out. That was the last action of the half as the referee blew the half time whistle.

Fylde Penalty, courtesy of @afcfylde

AFC Fylde doubled their advantage just 5 minutes into the second half. A close range finish from the edge of the 6 yard area following a good passage of play. The second goal gave the visitors the breathing space to take control of the game and they began to take control. Both sides made multiple substitutions which didn’t really help the flow of the game from Brig’s perspective. Stephen Dobbie for Fylde saw a 30 yard effort drift wide before the Cameron in the Brig goal foiled him again minutes later making a fine save at the strikers’ feet as he tried to go around the keeper.

Bamber Bridge captain Macaulay Wilson then connected well with a corner but his powerful header flashed inches over the bar. Mark Yeats then forced the Coasters keeper in to a smart save as his 30 yard effort was saved by the keeper with his legs. With Brig pushing forward it was Fylde who grabbed their 3^rd goal and ended the contest. A cross from the left was headed home at the near post to give the visitors a 3-0 lead. Cameron made another fine save in the closing seconds to prevent the coasters grabbing a fourth.

Full time and a good performance from Bamber Bridge despite the result. Clinical finishing being the difference on the night. Brig had looked particularly good in the first half and were very unlucky to concede right on the half time whistle. Plenty of positives for Milly to take into Saturday’s final pre – season friendly when City of Liverpool FC will be the visitors to Irongate.

Bamber Bridge – 0 AFC Fylde – 3

Att: 150 and a Dog from Kuwait (Oreo)

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