A point gained? Or two points dropped? This was Discussed at length in the bar post match following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Marston Road, Home of Stafford Rangers. The long held football adage that every away point is a good point, certainly holds water, but equally there are away matches that players, coaches and supporters alike, will target as potential “three pointers”. Stafford Rangers in their current predicament may have been one of those fixtures.

The Staffordshire side are having a difficult campaign both on and off the pitch. The dwindling support (There was never 514 in the ground yesterday), seemed ready to turn on their manager and players, and some did. The thought amongst the travelling Briggers was that if we can get in front, their fragile confidence may crumble and we can take advantage. Brig did take the lead, but they didn’t take advantage, allowing the hosts to grab an equaliser soon afterwards and from then on, despite a better second half performance from Brig, the match had “draw” written all over it.


A great start to the day for the Brig fans. The early arrival gave us plenty of time to enjoy the hospitality of The Kings Arms, close to the stadium. A decent friendly pub and in there, the locals talked of a Stafford Rangers in crisis and how they fully expected us to turn them over.

On to the Match and a pleasant sunny Autumn afternoon. The low sun glaring into the eyes of the cap-less home keeper in the first half. An early Brig opportunity to test the keeper came as Jack Baxter created space on the right edge of the area, his looping cross finding the head of Louis Holt, who rose well but was unable to keep the ball down, his header sailing over the bar. Brig were on top in the early stages and another fine move, saw a through ball find Churchy, playing in the advanced No.10 role, Churchy controlled it well before laying the ball off to Jack Baxter who drilled in a powerful low shot, the home keeper did well to parry the ball before it was hooked clear.


As the half wore on, the intensity dropped and the game became more of a midfield slog, the hosts creating little or nothing and Brig not quite as forceful at the top end as they might have been. The game began to have the feel of a friendly, the hosts clearly lacking in confidence but Brig not seemingly taking advantage. But on the half hour, Brig fashioned a great goal, a high ball towards Louis Holt was superbly controlled and played into the path of the advancing Jack Baxter, who strode into the area and planted the ball hard and low into the bottom corner.

Just the tonic for Brig, the home support already showing discontent were now less than convinced their team could get back into the contest. Brig initially looked to have the bit between their teeth as Harry Benns weaved into the area, his low shot beating the keeper but flashing just wide of the post. But just seven minutes after taking the lead, the host were level. A free kick from the half way line, looked (from my view at the far end) to be headed across the goal area from right to left before it was swept home at the far post to bring Rangers back into the game.

As the first half drew to a close, Brig had a further chance as Harry Benns was found with a great great ball from Chris Churchman, The following shot however flew high, wide and not quite so handsome.

Bamber Bridge came out of the traps quickly at the beginning of the second half, A good move down the right led to the ball being cut back from the byline across the area, A low hard shot was fired in from 15 yards, the home keeper diving left to make a great save, the ball was half cleared and a bit of pinball ensued in the penalty area before the home side got the ball clear.


Moments later and Brig attacked down the left, a great through ball sent “Tunde” Clear, he controlled the ball well before striking his shot wide of the near post. Brig claimed a penalty as the visitors pressure grew, Harry Benns receiving the ball in the area, back to goal, the defender behind might have given him a nudge but Harry went down like he’d been pole-axed. The referee rightly rightly waving away the appeal.

It only seemed a matter of time before Brig regained the lead, as another good move found Jack Baxter, who cut inside from the left and struck a fine shot, a defenders leg getting in the way to deflect it over the bar for a corner. Millie made a change with Danny Edwards replacing Zack Kempster Down as Brig were clearly gunning for the 3 points. The second half performance was decent but the home keeper, other than the earlier save still wasn’t being troubled. Sam Billington was introduced for Louis Holt who looked like he might have taken a knock.
The second half, like the first was now drifting towards the inevitable draw. James Pradic had to be alert as the closing stages drew near, saving smartly from a rare Stafford Rangers shot. Churchy tried his luck with a 25 yard shot but the effort was just a foot too high as it cleared the bar. The referee indicated 6 added minutes, which came and went with no significant attempts at either end.

So, full time and a 1-1 draw. At the top of the page I asked, was it a point gained or two lost? Well over the 90 minutes and the balance of play, it must surely be seen as the latter. Captain Macaulay Wilson clearly felt so, as we boarded the coach for the journey home. Macca telling us he was really disappointed we hadn’t won the game.

The result leaves Brig in the slightly uncomfortable position of 17^th, just two places above the drop zone with a five point cushion. But to put that in context, just 6 points behind Macclesfield Town who occupy the last play off spot. The next game for Brig comes this Tuesday evening when high flying Warrington Rylands visit the SFC Stadium, the Cheshire side currently sitting 2^nd in the table. A tough looking game but this squad of players is good enough and I’m expecting a home victory.


It’s also worth noting that the recent run of fixtures has seen very few home games. This Tuesday night match, followed by two more away games will have seen a run of 1 home game and 7 away. And possibly the biggest of all those comes next weekend when we take the long trip down South to Worcestershire to Face Stourbridge FC in the 4^th Qualifying round of The FA trophy. The outcome of which could very well shape the rest of the season.