Bamber Bridge continued their pre season campaign on Saturday afternoon at the home of “The Mechanics”, or as they are now known, AFC Blackpool. On another glorious and hot August afternoon.

With stand in Physio “Young Mike Boardman” making hiscomeback and taking his place in the Bamber Bridge technical area, the game got underway with both sides eager to attack. AFC Blackpool had the first chance of the match as the homeside's No.11 jinked his way down the right wing before whipping in a superb low cross that flashed across the 6 yard line before being cleared to safety. Moments later Danny Roccia in goal for The Briggers made a fine save after a great strike from the edge of the box.

Brig were taking a little time to settle but took the lead with their first real purposeful attack. Chris Marlow released down the left wing, sent over a deep cross that was met with a looping header on the 18 yard line by Oscar Radcliffe, the ball dipping over the keeper and finding the back of the net. The goal settled Brig who began to spray the ball around. Joe Booth saw a cross from the right wing beat the keeper but land on the roof of the net. Danny Forbes then let fly from 25 yards, following a crisp passing move, his shot clearing the bar.

It came as no surprise when Bamber Bridge doubled their advantage on 25 minutes, Rowan Roache calmly tucking the ball under the keeper after a delightful through ball from Oscar Radcliffe. Five minutes later and it was three. Matt Dudley sent clear from a Rowan Roache pass, as the keeper rushed from his goal, Dudley chipped the ball over the advancing keeper and in to the net.

AFC Blackpool were not being outplayed however, and looked dangerous on the break. The tricky No.11 on the right wing was having a fine game and causing problems for the Brig defence. On 35 minutes he cut inside from a run down the wing before firing in a low drive that flashed inches past Danny Roccia’s left hand post.

Brig made a couple of changes for the 2nd half, Richie Allen and Chris Churchman replacing Goose and Flynn. The home side had the first chance of the half, Danny Roccia again forced into a low save, diving to hos left to push the ball around the post. At the other end, a run from Richie Allen evading a couple of tackles ended with a diagonal ball to Rowan Roache who saw his shot palmed down by the home keeper. On the hour, Matt Dudley doubled his tally for the afternoon and grabbed the fourth for the visitors. As the home side looked to clear the their penalty box, the ball deflected kindly for Dudley who slammed it home from the edge of the area.

AFC Blackpool responded again and a deflected shot looped over the bar for a corner. Bamber Bridge made further changes midway through the 2nd period bringing on Hughes and DJ (that’s as much as I know !) along with Olly Burgess. Just minutes later, goal number 5 arrived for Bamber Bridge. Moments after being flagged offside, and booked for his protestations, Richie Allen this time beat the offside trap and raced clear before side stepping the keeper and rolling the ball home.

Into the closing stages and two more chances fell the way of Brig, first, Richie Allen weaved his way into the box and got in a low shot that was saved by the keeper, then Matt Dudley had the chance to claim his trick but spooned over from close range following a fine cross from Rowan Roache.

It was the homeside who had the last say of the match though, Firing home a consolation goal from a break down the left wing. A goal their efforts fully deserved.

Physio, Mike Boardman got his moment in the last minute, running on to assist the home keeper following an accidental clash.

Full time and a 5-1 Victory in another competitive fixture.

Bamber Bridge: Roccia, Wisdom, Lawlor, Flynn, Radcliffe, Marlow, Thomason, Forbes, Booth, Dudley, Roache

Subs: Allen, Churchman, Burgess, Hughes, DJ