Bamber Bridge squeezed passed FC St Helens, of The North West Counties Division 1 North, and in to the Semi Finals of The Lancashire Challenge Trophy with a penalty shoot out victory following a last minute Danny Forbes equaliser and a Paul Dawson masterclass of penalty shoot out goalkeeping on a Windy Tuesday night at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Trailing 1-0 to a first half St Helens headed goal, Brig then saw keeper Luke Hutchinson receive a straight red card midway through the second half. Centre Forward Paul Dawson donned the gloves and stepped between the sticks, ending the game as the Brig hero with a pile of Brig players diving on top of him.

The game started as expected with Bamber Bridge having plenty of possession and pushing the visitors back without really creating any openings in the early stages of the game. Joe Robbins came close on 15 minutes racing into the box from a fine through ball and sliding a low shot towards the far post, the keeper getting something on it to deflect it wide for a corner. Moments later and it was Robbins who clipped a ball into the box with Danny Forbes just an inch or so from making contact but the ball drifted out for a goal kick.

Next up as Brig began to dominate was Donovan Lescott, sent away down the left, he cut into the area and looked to slide the ball underneath the advancing keeper, who again got enough on it to take the pace off the ball allowing it to be cleared off the line.

St Helens up to this point had barely threatened at the the other end but 25 minutes in, a corner from the right was head home to give the Merseyside club an unlikely lead. Brig responded and Donovan Lescott again had an opportunity from the left of the area but his low shot lacked power and the visitors keeper was able to gather the ball comfortably. A Brig corner from the right was headed clear but fell to Joe Robbins just outside the area, he controlled the ball before moving it the right and firing in a low shot forcing a fine diving save from the busy Saints keeper.

Luke Mariette Had the last Bamber Bridge chance of the first half, played in to the area on the right, the Blackpool FC loanee, slightly miscontrolled with his first touch allowing the keeper to race from his goal and make the save. So, Brig trailing 1-0 at the break having had pretty much all the possession and the wind at their backs.

The second half began with the wind now in the faces of the Briggers, this half complimented with squalls of driving rain. The home side struggled to get back into their stride at the start of the half and the visitors enjoyed their best spell of possession in the match so far. As the half wore on Bamber Bridge began to find their second half feet, Chris Churchman almost equalised with a cross cum shot from the right that saw the Saints keeper back-pedalling and having to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

The game then looked to be swinging more towards an unlikely away victory when a Saints breakaway saw Brig Keeper Luke Hutchinson race from goal only for the striker to seemingly push the ball around him, Luke looked to have pulled the striker down just outside the area as he prepared to shoot towards the empty goal. The inevitable straight red card saw Brig down to 10 men and Centre forward Paul Dawson was the man to stick on the goalie gloves, and shirt and take his place between the posts. His first job as keeper was to defend the free kick from just outside the box. The free kick came to nothing and was the signal for Mille to make his first changes of the night.

A double Change saw Isaac Sinclair and Fin Sinclair-Smith on to replace The hard working Joe Robbins and debutant full back Jason Akiotu who had had a fine game in his first Brig appearance. The tide began to swing back in favour of the home side and Rhys Turner was just beaten to a through ball by the visiting keeper who by this stage was looking like it would take something special to beat him.

Fin began to have the impact the Manager hoped for an a fierce shot from wide on the right was pushed out of play by the keeper for another corner. That was taken short and eventually delivered beyond the back post were a Donovan Lescott attempted volley cleared the bar, and club house roof !!

A third change came as Donovan was replaced by Arron Skinner as Mille went looking for that illusive equaliser. Fin was tripped on the left side of the penalty area as he skipped towards goal. After dusting himself down, he stepped up and struck a screamer of a free kick over the wall only to see the ball crash back off the inside of the post, Aaron Skinner tried to divert the ball home but the ball was just out of reach as he dived sideways his header running along the goal line before it was cleared. It looked at this stage that the plucky visitors were going to take the Scalp of their hosts from 3 Divisions above.

With Brig now in full flow, another left Wing corner was met by Danny Forbes, as he got there just before the keeper who had done enough to see Danny’s header clear the bar. But just one minute Later Danny was to have the last laugh, another cross was whipped in low from the left and Danny dived fully horizontal meeting the ball with a superb glancing header that flashed past the keeper and into the back of the net. A real last gasp reprieve for The Briggers as literally from the kick off the referee blew the final whistle to send us into a penalty shoot out.

The Penalties were to be taken at the clubhouse end and it was Saints to take the first spot kick. Paul Dawson took to his goaline but not before using all his experience to try and put off the penalty taker. The spot kick was driven low to his right, Daws, got a hand to it but it crept in. 0-1…...Rhys Turner stepped up for Brig and made no mistake ...1-1….. Paul Dawson again made sure the next penalty taker for the visitors knew he was there and this time the ball was smashed high and wide.

Still 1-1.. Up stepped Fin for Brig and sent the keeper the wrong way… 2-1….. Daws by now had the script well prepared and once again the Saints Penalty sailed well over the bar.. 2-1…. Rowan Roache was next for Brig and again, no mistake has he planted the ball safely into the back of the net. 3-1

And so on to what was now essentially sudden death for The Visitors. Daws bounced on his goal-line before diving down to his right (or was it left ?? I can’t remember in all the excitement !!) Anyway, he made a fabulous save and Brig were through. Seconds later and The stand in keeper was swamped by his team mates.
A real “Get out of jail free” victory for Brig who showed a real never say die attitude to grind out the win.

A word for our visitors though, What a cruel way to go out of any cup competition They gave it their all and came so close to causing a shock. The Saints Keeper Joe Mason certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing side and had a terrific match. But it is Bamber Bridge who progress and we wait to see who our opponents will be in the Semi Final.

Bamber Bridge made the long trip to Christchurch Meadows, home of Belper Town FC on Saturday afternoon. The Nailermen currently sit bottom of the Northern Premier League but proved a tough nut to crack for a Brig side riding high in 3^rd place.


First and Lasting impressions of our visit to Derbyshire today were, of a wonderfully friendly club, great facilities and really nice ground. This was up there as one of the most enjoyable away trips of the season. From The George and Dragon pub to the welcome we received at the Stadium, Belper can be rightly proud of their Football club.
The first half was a tight affair, both sides enjoying good spells of possession without either keeper being tested. The home side despite their position in the League table looked up for the task and didn’t give Brig an inch as the pressed high and looked to prevent The Lancashire side getting in to their rhythm. The first opportunity of note arrived on 25 minutes as a well struck central free kick from Fin dipped over the wall but was tipped over the bar fro a corner by the Belper Town keeper.
A volleyed effort from Joe Robbins followed moments later from a right wing cross but this was blocked and rolled safely to the keeper. Harry Scarborough then fired well over as the first half drifted towards a goalless conclusion. However things changed on the stroke of half time. A high forward ball was headed into the air by Harry Scarborough on the edge of the penalty area, as it dropped Fin Sinclair-Smith met it with a sublime volley that flew over the keeper and nestled in the back of the net, much to the delight of The Briggers behind the goal. Possibly against the run of play but another “Worldie” for Fin to add to his ever increasing selection of superb goals this season. As soon as the hosts kicked off, the referee's whistle brought the first half to an end.
The second half began in similar vein to the first, but as the game wore on Brig became more dominant and started to create chances. A free kick from wide on the left was swung in by Fin but the keeper gathered it quite comfortably. Sheldon Green then made a fine run down the right flank before cutting inside and carrying the ball along the edge of the area before laying it square to the advancing Isaac Sinclair who struck a fine low shot just wide of the keepers right hand post.
Bamber Bridge made a double change mid way through the half with Danny Forbes and Rhys Turner entering the fray for Harry Scarborough and Joe Robbins. The changes didn’t disrupt the flow of the game with Brig continuing to dominate in terms of chances created. The home side ,still competing well always looked a threat however and almost pulled level when a right wing cross was met with a close range glancing header that flashed just wide of the far post.

What then looked to be a great headed goal from Sheldon Green from an inswinging right sided free kick saw the celebrations cut short by the Linesman's flag who considered Sheldon’s firm header to have been from an offside position. A very tight call.

Just two minutes later though on 80 minutes, It was that man Fin again ,who wrapped up the points with another sensational strike. A trip on Aaron skinner 2 yards outside the penalty box gave Fin the opportunity to rifle home a superb free kick, crashing in to the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar with the home keeper trying in vain to keep it out.
Millie made a 3^rd change following the goal, Blackpool FC loanee Luke Mariette replacing Chris Churchman. With The points now essentially assured Brig pushed on looking to add to their tally, Fin again striking a low shot that keeper did well to save and hold on to, before Rhys Turner then saw the home stopper save with his feet as he looked to slide the ball under him, the rebound falling to Sheldon Green but again the keeper dived to make another fine save.

That was the final action of the match as the full time whistle blew. A fine and thoroughly proffesional 2-0 away victory for The Briggers but they were made to work all the way by a hard working Belper side who looked far better than their position in the Leaguer table suggests, despite never really testing Like Hutchinson in the Brig goal. The points keeping Brig firmly in 3^rd place in the League table with a 4 point gap to Warrington Town in 4^th spot.
Bamber Bridge return to action this coming Tuesday evening with a home tie in the Lancashire Trophy, St Helens Town will visit The Sir Tom Finney Stadium with a place in the semi final up for grabs.

What a comeback !!! What a Win !!! Bamber Bridge took all 3 points with a superb 2^nd half performance at The Marine Travel Arena, home of Marine Football Club on Saturday afternoon. Trailing by two gaols at the break, Brig stormed back with 3 fabulous second half goals to earn all 3 points and cement their place in the top 5 of the Northern Premier league. Arguably the best performance of the season. Actually, there is no argument at all, that was the best performance of the season so far.


Bamber Bridge made four changes with Luke Hutchinson making his debut in goal, Matt Thomson back after a lengthy injury lay off, Harry Scarborough back for a second loan spell and Joe Robbins all coming into the side.

On a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon on Merseyside, Brig were up against a gale force wind as well as a strong Marine side in the first half. The Crosby based side are themselves pushing for a play of spot and with the wind at their backs, it was the home side that had slightly the better of the opening phase of the match after a frenetic start. The Irongate visitors were trying to keep the ball on the 3g pitch and much to their credit, played some good football despite the wind. An early move down the right led to Fin Sinclair-Smith shooting from 20 yards, but a fine defensive block saw the ball cleared to safety.


With the first real opportunity of the match Marine took the lead on 12 minutes. A low cross from the left was swept home from close range giving the Merseysiders the early advantage. Brig responded well and another smart right wing move found Harry Scarborough, who whipped over a low cross from the byline, the ball being forced out for a corner before any Brig player could connect. Minutes late and another swift break, again down the right ended with a Matt Thomson shot from the edge of the box, that unfortunately struck Harry Scarborough on it’s way towards goal allowing the keeper to dive at his feet and gather the ball.

As the half progressed the home side began to get on top and in the 34th minute were awarded a penalty that can best be described as very harsh. Pondy adjudged to have committed the foul in the box. The spot kick was duly dispatched giving the hosts a healthy 2 goal lead. Marine saw out the half to lead at the break. The strength of the howling gale had clearly played a part and so it was to prove in the second half.

Brig began the second period on the front foot, Isaac Sinclair striking a rising 20 yard shot over the bar. Bamber Bridge, now with the wind at their backs poured forward and on 50 minutes Fin won the ball on the right, before cutting back a great ball to Harry Scarborough who struck a fierce shot goal-bound, the home keeper reacting sharply to palm the ball away. Harry wasn’t to be denied however when just 3 minutes later he picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and curled a superb low shot into the keepers bottom left corner, The diving Marine stopper unable to reach the ball as it nestled in the back of the net.


Brig were really on top now and by 57 minutes we were all square. Fin Sinclair-Smith smashing an unstoppable shot from the the right side of the area into the keepers near post. With the Brig fans behind the goal still celebrating Fin went one better just 2 minutes later, this time picking the ball up wide left, stepping inside and curling a wonderful chipped effort over the keeper and into the far corner of the net. An incredible turnaround in just 15 minutes. Brig were on fire, and Harry Scarborough almost grabbed his second of the match as he raced on to a chipped ball into the box, the keeper getting there just ahead of the Brig striker to make the save.

The weather by this stage of the match was just as incredible as the game itself, driving hail was thundering into the faces of the fans behind the goal, I imagine that’s what it feels like to be sandblasted !!!

Brig made their first change on 74 minutes, Captain, Macaulay Wilson going off with what looked to be a shoulder injury and replaced by Sky Sinclair. The hosts were trying to force themselves back into the match but The Brig defence was keeping them at arms length. A cross from the right was claimed comfortably by Luke Hutchinson making his Brig debut in goal. A short free kick then led to a shooting opportunity but the shot was wide of the post.


A second Bamber Bridge substitute saw Donovan Lescott replace Joe Robbins before a third and final change when Chris Churchman hobbled off to be replaced by another debutant in Luke Mariette, who has joined us from Blackpool.

Fin struck a fierce goal bound shot which was well saved by the home keeper as the game entered 5 minutes of added time. The heavens opened again as the hailstones hammered into the Briggers behind the goal, who frankly weren’t bothered in the slightest as the cheered the lads home to a fabulous 3 points and gave them a standing ovation (OK, we were standing anyway !).

What a second half, What a team, what a club, what a great day and what a fantastic victory.

Bamber Bridge got 2023 off to a winning start with a fine 2-1 victory at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium in a feisty contest with Yorkshire rivals Guiseley AFC on Bank Holiday Monday. Brig start the New year in the lofty position of 4^th place in the Northern Premier League, A massive achievement from Jamie Milligan, The coaching staff and obviously the playing squad.

There was minute’s applause prior to kick off in honour of the absolute Legend of World Football and probably greatest of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or as we all knew him, “Pele”.


Both Teams were wearing their away kits this afternoon as part of the shelters no home kit campaign. Brig in all Yellow were attacking towards the Clubhouse End in the opening half. An early opportunity for The Yorkshire Lions so Felix Goddard, whip the ball away from the toes of the visiting striker. At the other end a shot from Isaac Sinclair was well wide of the target.
A quiet opening spell was illuminated as Brig took the lead in the 13^th minute with a peach of a strike from Sheldon Green, the ball having been switched from left to right, found Sheldon who smashed an unstoppable 25 yard drive in to the roof of the net off the underside of the crossbar.


The visitors responded and Felix was once again alert as he dived to make a fine save from a low shot. Another long range shot from Guiseley, landed in the Woodyard behind the stand. With the pressure mounting, it was once again “Felix The Cat” to the rescue as he made a superb diving save to deny the centre forward, the rebound flashing wide of the post.

Brig were being forced to play on the break and great work from Fin Sinclair-Smith as he found space before he crossed to pick out Donovan Lescott who saw his shot Brilliantly saved by The Lions keeper. Felix was then called into action again but Brig saw out the two added minutes to go in at the break with a 1 goal advantage.

The Second half began with Guiseley quick out of the traps and within two minutes of the restart they were level. A Brig corner had been headed clear and following a rapid break, the ball found its way to Lions striker Lewis Whitham who slammed the ball home from close range. The goal signalled a spell of domination from the visitors with Brig struggling to keep possession in the early stages of the half. Felix again had to be alert has he dropped low to smother a 25 yard free kick. Brig then gave away possession in midfield and the intercepted pass led to another strike at goal, again Felix made a comfortable save.

Brig started to get back in the half and Millie opted for a change on the hour, with Joe Robbins replacing Donovan Lescott. A Bamber Bridge free kick 30 yards out was met at the far post by Macca, his looping header clearing the bar. Brig were right back in the contest now and moving the ball with pace and accuracy as they swept forward in waves. A ball chipped forward from the left touchline had Fin racing into the box, the Lions keeper was out like a flash and got to the ball first, to clear up field. Moments later and Fin popped up on the right of the penalty area, his shot was deflected out for a corner, which was taken short and led to a foul on the edge of the area. Paul Dawson stepped up and his dipping shot was inches over the bar with keeper rooted to the spot.

The visiting Keeper was on his toes again just a minute or so later, with Fin again unlucky as his low drive was pushed around the post for another Brig corner. Isaac Sinclair then raced into the box before dropping to his knees, claiming a penalty. It would have been harsh to be fair. But it was Isaac again second later as Brig piled on the pressure, this time driving across the area from the left before his his cross was blocked and cleared for yet another corner.

The Brig pressure paid dividends in the 85^th minute. A corner from the left was swung in and met by Paul Dawson with a superb downward header that flashed past the keeper in the far corner of the net. The goal bringing huge celebrations from The Briggers behind the goal at The Woodyard End.


The Yorkshire visitors looked for a response but Brig were resolute at the back with Felix providing the last line of defence as he first dived low to save a powerful effort and then climbed high to collect a looping cross into the box as the 6 minutes of added time seemed to go on forever!

The final whistle came and Brig, players and fans celebrated a tremendous hard fought victory. Brig having done the Double over Guiseley this season and in the process cementing fourth place in the Northern Premier League.

Bamber Bridge will come up against another Yorkshire outfit next as they visit Liversedge on Saturday.

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