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Saturday 24th August 2024
Northern Premier League
Ilkeston Town - 2 Bamber Bridge - 1
If Bamber Bridge have aspirations of challenging at the top end of
The Northern Premier League this season, they are going to have to
find a way of turning good performances in to points. On Tuesday
evening away at Ashton Utd, Brig took a single point from a game they
completely dominated. In the latest fixture at Ilkeston Town on
Saturday, Brig contrived to lose a game, when at the very least they
should have been taking home a point. Missed opportunities at the top
end of the pitch and being caught out with long balls over the
defence has already contributed to dropped points in the early stages
of the season.
Pre match drinks
It was no more than Brig had deserved. The Lancashire Visitors had been positive from the start and a Churchy glancing header from a right wing corner flashed inches over the bar. A free kick minutes later was whipped in from the left, headed clear but only as far as Pottsy, who hammered it goalwards only to see the home keeper dive right and make a fine save. Brig came close again as Lewis Hey drove towards the left of the area, came inside and curled his shot towards the far post, once again the keeper excelled as he flung himself to his right and made a full length diving save, tipping the ball around the post for a corner.
The Robins of Ilkeston were not letting Brig have it all their own way and a headed opportunity flashed wide moments before Bamber Bridge took the lead. The intensity in Brig’s attacks just seemed to drop off after going ahead, allowing the hosts to build up a head of steam. The Danger signs were there as a shot zipped inches past the post, and Nico in goal for Brig made a good one on on save before the equaliser duly arrived. A chipped forward pass over the Brig defence completely turned the Brig back line around and the home forward ran on to the ball to smash it low into the back of the net.
The home side were now on top in the closing stages of the first half and Nico once again had to be alert saving a shot following a solo jinking run by the Robins No.7. Another shot from the hosts whistled over the bar before the referee blew for half time.
Brig came out of the traps quickly in the second half and claims for a penalty when Max Cane was bundled over as he raced towards the area, resulted in a free kick just outside the box. Pottsy took the free kick but it struck the defensive wall and was cleared. Minutes later and Max Cane was again set free to run towards goal but good defending crowded him out before he could get a shot away. Olly Molloy was next to be thwarted by the home keeper has he raced from goal to smother an attempted chip from Olly.
It was all Brig at this stage but the game was to change when Brig missed what can only be described as a sitter on 55 minutes. Olly Molloy found space on the left of the area, drew out the keeper and squared the ball to the advancing Max Cane (It might have been Jack Baxter actually!), with the goal gaping and a tap in from 6 yards awaiting, The Brig forward somehow lost his footing allowing the ball to run across him, his next touch allowing a saving tackle to take the chance away.
The missed opportunity seemed to completely knock the stuffing out of Brig and the Hosts began to force their way back in to the game. And not unsurprisingly, in the 60th minute the The Robins went ahead. Once again a long ball over the top, caught Brig flat footed leaving the home striker free to run on and smash the ball home.
Brig tried to respond and a Jack Baxter shot from distance was comfortably saved but Ilkeston Town had the lead now and they weren’t going to give it up lightly. A change at the top end saw Olly Molloy swapped for Billy Bould but the change had little impact on the flow of the game at this stage. The match was drifting to it’s inevitable conclusion. Even The home tannoy announcer was clearly expecting the win when on 83 minutes he announced we were in to 4 minutes added time! A further Brig change saw Jarma Mohamed (research finds he is a Wigan Athletic player) replaced Churchy. But Brig were out of steam, a late looping Billy Bould header that cleared the bar was as close as they were to come to an equaliser.
On 90 minutes, another announcement told us we now in to 6 minutes added time, which passed comfortably for The Robins despite Brig having a late spell of possesion but no chances were created. Full time came and the dejection amongst the handful of Bamber Bridge supporters was palpable. Brig had the chances to put the game to bed, but they weren’t taken, allowing the home side to capitalise on Brigs inability on the day to deal with long balls over the defence.
It’s a quick turnaround, as we have a chance to get the show back on the road when Guiseley AFC are the visitors to Irongate this Bank Holiday Monday. Five points, from 5 games is by no means a disastrous start to the campaign but the overall performances to date suggest it could and should have seen a better points return. We go again on Monday
Full Time: Ilkeston
Town – 2 Bamber Bridge- 1
Bamber Bridge: Michalski, Wallbank, Brockbank, Squires, Kenyon, Hey, Churchman, Potts (c), Molloy, Cane, Baxter
Subs: Ray-Harvey, Grand, Hasler-Cregg, Bould, Mohamed
Att: 585
Bamber Bridge: Michalski, Wallbank, Brockbank, Squires, Kenyon, Hey, Churchman, Potts (c), Molloy, Cane, Baxter
Subs: Ray-Harvey, Grand, Hasler-Cregg, Bould, Mohamed
Att: 585
Northern Premier League
Tuesday 20th August 2024
Ashton United - 0 Bamber Bridge - 0
I've always been of the mind, that a point on the road is a good
point, and in fact coming away from Hurst Cross, home of Ashton
United with a draw is a particularly good point. However I would dare
to guess that the talk in the Brig changing room after Tuesday nights
0-0 draw was one of “How have we not won that?”. Bamber Bridge
were superb, especially in the 2nd half, where they
completely dominated their hosts with wave after wave of attacking
play.
Pre Match drinks
Being
fair, It could be argued that The Robins perhaps would feel they
should have been ahead at the break, having twice struck the woodwork
in the first half. But Brig themselves created some good
opportunities in that opening 45 minutes. All that said, We came away
with a point that I’m sure most of us would have accepted pre
match. But more importantly in these early phases of the new season.
The performances are hugely encouraging as the squad gels together
under the guidance of Millie and the coaching staff
As August summer nights, go, this was not your typical balmy summer
evening. Squally downpours and a definite Autumnal nip in the air.
The match began at an electric pace, both sides looking to attack
from the start. Both teams were creating chances and an Olly
Molloy header was comfortably saved by the home keeper in the 2nd minute before a fine passing move from The Briggers down the right, with some neat one touch passing around the box led to a low driving cross, that just evaded Max Caine as it whistled passed the far post and out for a goal kick.
Molloy header was comfortably saved by the home keeper in the 2nd minute before a fine passing move from The Briggers down the right, with some neat one touch passing around the box led to a low driving cross, that just evaded Max Caine as it whistled passed the far post and out for a goal kick.
Nice new stand behind the goal. Sadly it replaces the "Famous Bike Shed stand " !!
Ashton
Utd were also looking dangerous and a shot flashed just wide of the
Brig goal on 10 minutes. Another Brig opportunity came when Liam
Brockbank floated over a left wing cross that was head partially
clear, but only as far as Max Caine who went for an audacious
overhead kick, but the keeper was again well placed to claim the
dropping ball.
The Robins came mighty close on 25 minutes, when a low shot from the edge of the area cannoned back off the post. On the half hour Churchy chipped over a ball from the right, Olly Molloy was just inches away from getting a connection. The half was swinging from end to end and a Brig free kick for a foul on Alex Ray Harvey from just outside the box on the left hit the top of the wall and went behind for a corner. Moments later and another swift Brig break saw the ball played into the area to Max Caine, who made space for a shot from the corner of the 6 yard box but chose to play the ball square, but it was cleared and the chance was gone. With half time approaching the home side started to get up a head of steam and again struck the post with a close range effort. Brig dealt with two or three corners before the half time whistle arrived.
The Robins came mighty close on 25 minutes, when a low shot from the edge of the area cannoned back off the post. On the half hour Churchy chipped over a ball from the right, Olly Molloy was just inches away from getting a connection. The half was swinging from end to end and a Brig free kick for a foul on Alex Ray Harvey from just outside the box on the left hit the top of the wall and went behind for a corner. Moments later and another swift Brig break saw the ball played into the area to Max Caine, who made space for a shot from the corner of the 6 yard box but chose to play the ball square, but it was cleared and the chance was gone. With half time approaching the home side started to get up a head of steam and again struck the post with a close range effort. Brig dealt with two or three corners before the half time whistle arrived.
Brig started the second half on the front foot and soon started to
pin the hosts back, and so it was to be for almost the entirity of the
second half. Wave after wave, corner after corner, but Brig just
could not find a way through the resolute Ashton defence. Pottsy came
close on 55 minutes, picking up the ball in midfield before driving
forward and striking a low 20 yard shot but it drifted wide of the
keepers left hand post. Millie opted for a change on the hour with
Alex Ray Harvey and Will Squires making way for Billy Cregg and Simon
Grand. The flow of the game was unaffected with Brig pouring forward
relentlessly. The hosts however, were still involved and Brig keeper
Nico had to be alert making a good save following a quick breakaway
from the Robins.
Very impressive Electronic Scoreboard at Hurst Cross
Billy Cregg who looks a real exciting prospect had a fine run and cross but the keeper dived low at his near post to make the save. For all the dominance of Brig in possession, clear cut chances were still at a premium as Ashton United looked fully determined not to be breached at the back. Brig had multiple corners from both sides, but still the goal wouldn’t come. Further changes at the top end came for Brig with 10 minutes remaining with Bailey Thompson and Mark Cullen replacing Olly Molloy and Max Cane. Still Brig continued to dominate with Mark Cullen showing some terrific and sharp one touch passing to keep the attacks flowing.
Pottsy
again on 85 struck a great low daisy cutter of a shot, but once again
the home keeper dived left and was equal to it. The final ball or
indeed that bit of luck just wasn’t there for Brig as often the
ball would fall kindly for a Red shirted defender to hook clear just
as the Brig forwards looked ready to pounce.
The referee signalled 3 additional minutes that was all played in an around the Ashton penalty area, but the final whistle arrived with the scores goalless. Bamber Bridge will play far worse than this in the coming weeks and take all three points. A really good, encouraging and spirited display with some terrific approach play and quick passing. Two goalless draws on the bounce against two sides who will almost certainly be challenging of a top 6 spot. In fact Brig’s four opponents to date this season all currently sit in the top seven in the Division. Next up this weekend is Ilkeston Town away. Another toughie as they currently occupy 8th position.
The referee signalled 3 additional minutes that was all played in an around the Ashton penalty area, but the final whistle arrived with the scores goalless. Bamber Bridge will play far worse than this in the coming weeks and take all three points. A really good, encouraging and spirited display with some terrific approach play and quick passing. Two goalless draws on the bounce against two sides who will almost certainly be challenging of a top 6 spot. In fact Brig’s four opponents to date this season all currently sit in the top seven in the Division. Next up this weekend is Ilkeston Town away. Another toughie as they currently occupy 8th position.
Autumnal Skies.... In August !!!
Finally a word for the Ashton United supporters who we stood with in the second half. What a fabulous bunch of fans, who create a superb but friendly atmosphere. To a man they shook our hands after the game and wished us well for the season. A thoroughly enjoyable evening at Hurst Cross and we look forward to welcoming them to the SFC Stadium next April.
Full Time: Ashton
United – 0 Bamber Bridge – 0
Att: 257
Match Report by Alan Bateson
Pre match refreshment
Bamber Bridge, resplendent in all yellow started very brightly and in the opening stages looked the more composed side, playing some neat passing football. A Michael Potts surge into the box brought the home keeper into the action with an early save. Minutes later and a superb interchange of passes around the edge of the area set Billy Bould free with a one on one shooting opportunity. The Brig striker went for accuracy but the keeper dived full length to make a fine save.
Whitby Town were opting for the more direct route and soon tested Brig keeper Nicolas Michalski (Nico from here on!) the Blackburn Rovers loanee keeper saving comfortably from a low shot. But it was the Seassiders who took the lead on 15th minutes when a rapid break, starting from their keeper, the ball was played out to the wing where a deep cross from the right was headed home at the back post by Alfie Doherty.
Main Stand at The turnbull Ground
The goal clearly
lifted the home side who began to take control, A chance to double
their lead on the half hour after a square pass across the edge of
the area led to a shooting chance, that fortunately for Brig was
shanked well wide. Brig were now playing on the break and Liam
Brockhurst fired in a terrific 20 yard shot that cleared the bar by
just inches.
Lewis Hey had required treatment for a knock with half time approaching, but was unable to continue and was replaced by Alex Ray Harvey. The break in play possibly gave Brig the chance to regroup and the Briggers began to push the home side back in the closing stages of the half. Although a headed chance for the home side in stoppage time came close to adding to the scoreline for Whitby Town. For Brig, who were probing and passing well, the final ball was just missing though and the hosts were able to take a one goal lead in a the break.
Summer in Whitby
As we moved around
to the pitch to the opposite end for the 2nd half, the
strength of the wind became apparent. As Brig started the second half
with that wind at their backs it very soon became cler that the lads
had done particularity well reducing the home side to just a handful
of attempts on goal in the first half. Right from the kick off Brig
stormed forward and Billy Bould was unlucky as a fierce volley
cleared the bar in the 1st minute.
With Brig playing well and the hour approaching the equaliser arrived. A fine sweeping move down the right found Michael Potts who drilled the ball across the penalty area, Billy Bould beat the advancing keeper to the ball and slammed it in the back of net, much to the delight of the Briggers behind the goal. Lifted by the leveller Brig piled forward and Olly Molloy Fired in a great shot from just inside the box, the home keeper saving well. It was now the visitors doing most of the pressing and Fin Wallbank was unfortunate to see a shot flash just inches wide of the post.
The Scampi Skipper
On 68 minutes, Brig Manager Jamie Milligan opted for a change, bringing on Max Cain for Billy Bould and just two minutes later the Brig substitute was instrumental as Brig took a deserved lead. Another fine passing move down the left, picked out Max Cain who laid the ball perfectly into the stride of the onrushing Olly Molloy who gleefully swept the ball in to the back of the net from 10 yards for his first Bamber Bridge goal. The striker wheeled away in celebration as the fans behind the goal roared their approval.
Game Underway
The home side
responded and Nico in goal was alert to make a fine diving save to
keep Brig in front. Two further changes for Brig saw Bailey Thompson
on for Olly Molloy and Churchy on for Jack Baxter as Brig looked to
see the game out. Bailey Thompson came close to adding a third for
Brig when a flicked header at the near post from a Pottsy cross just
missed the target.
Rob getting the celebratory drinks in
The referee signalled 5 added minutes but in truth it was Brig who were looking the more likely to add to the scoreline and Max Cain brought another good save from the home keeper with a low shot. The full time whistle blew and Brig, Fans, Players and staff, celebrated a superb opening day away victory. It’s only day one, but the signs are extremely encouraging and we look forward now to Tuesday evening when The Tigers of Hyde United will be the visitors to Irongate.
Match Report by Alan Bateson
Saturday 10th August 2024
Northern Premier League
Whitby Town - 1 Bamber Bridge - 2
Bamber Bridge returned from their long opening day away trip to The
North Yorkshire Coast to come away with all 3 points following a
stirring second half comeback on a glorious Summers Day. Unbeknown to
the supporters in the first half, the strong wind was having a major
bearing out on the pitch. The fans were sheltered at one end of the
ground, but not until we changed ends at half time could we
appreciate just how much of an impact the wind was having on the
match.
Northern Premier League
Whitby Town - 1 Bamber Bridge - 2 Pre match refreshment
Bamber Bridge, resplendent in all yellow started very brightly and in the opening stages looked the more composed side, playing some neat passing football. A Michael Potts surge into the box brought the home keeper into the action with an early save. Minutes later and a superb interchange of passes around the edge of the area set Billy Bould free with a one on one shooting opportunity. The Brig striker went for accuracy but the keeper dived full length to make a fine save.
Whitby Town were opting for the more direct route and soon tested Brig keeper Nicolas Michalski (Nico from here on!) the Blackburn Rovers loanee keeper saving comfortably from a low shot. But it was the Seassiders who took the lead on 15th minutes when a rapid break, starting from their keeper, the ball was played out to the wing where a deep cross from the right was headed home at the back post by Alfie Doherty.
Main Stand at The turnbull Ground
Lewis Hey had required treatment for a knock with half time approaching, but was unable to continue and was replaced by Alex Ray Harvey. The break in play possibly gave Brig the chance to regroup and the Briggers began to push the home side back in the closing stages of the half. Although a headed chance for the home side in stoppage time came close to adding to the scoreline for Whitby Town. For Brig, who were probing and passing well, the final ball was just missing though and the hosts were able to take a one goal lead in a the break.
Summer in Whitby
With Brig playing well and the hour approaching the equaliser arrived. A fine sweeping move down the right found Michael Potts who drilled the ball across the penalty area, Billy Bould beat the advancing keeper to the ball and slammed it in the back of net, much to the delight of the Briggers behind the goal. Lifted by the leveller Brig piled forward and Olly Molloy Fired in a great shot from just inside the box, the home keeper saving well. It was now the visitors doing most of the pressing and Fin Wallbank was unfortunate to see a shot flash just inches wide of the post.
The Scampi Skipper
On 68 minutes, Brig Manager Jamie Milligan opted for a change, bringing on Max Cain for Billy Bould and just two minutes later the Brig substitute was instrumental as Brig took a deserved lead. Another fine passing move down the left, picked out Max Cain who laid the ball perfectly into the stride of the onrushing Olly Molloy who gleefully swept the ball in to the back of the net from 10 yards for his first Bamber Bridge goal. The striker wheeled away in celebration as the fans behind the goal roared their approval.
Game Underway
Rob getting the celebratory drinks in
The referee signalled 5 added minutes but in truth it was Brig who were looking the more likely to add to the scoreline and Max Cain brought another good save from the home keeper with a low shot. The full time whistle blew and Brig, Fans, Players and staff, celebrated a superb opening day away victory. It’s only day one, but the signs are extremely encouraging and we look forward now to Tuesday evening when The Tigers of Hyde United will be the visitors to Irongate.
Full Time: Whitby
Town – 1 Bamber Bridge – 2
Bamber Bridge:
Michalski, Wallbank, Kenyon, Brockbank, Grand, Adubofour, Hey, Potts
©, Bould, Molloy, Baxter
Subs: Cain,
Thompson, Squires, Ray Harvey, Churchman
Attendance: 401
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