Bamber Bridge came away from their latest pre-season friendly with an impressive 1-0 victory at home to a Young Bolton Wanderers side. Brig were impressive for the full 90 minutes against The League One outfit and fully deserved the victory on a sweltering night at The Tom Finney Stadium.

Brig started very brightly and pressed Wanderers back in the opening exchanges. An early clearance close to the Bolton goaline was followed up with a shot from Trialist “C”, that sailed over the bar after he had cut inside from the right. Nathan Pond then tried his luck from 18 yards, but his rising drive also cleared the bar.

Bolton responded and a powerful shot from the edge of the area was palmed down comfortably by Brig keeper Felix Goddard. Fin Sinclair-Smith was then unlucky for Brig as his first time shot from a Pondy cross flashed just wide.

With the temperature still in the mid to high 20’s, a drinks break was taken as the first half reached it’s half way point. The game being played at a blistering pace despite the conditions. As the game continued it became more of an end to end affair, but Brig were still carving out the clearer chances. Pondy again showed great composure switching the ball out wide right to Trialist “C”, whose square pass from the edge of the box was met by Fin who fired just over the bar. A brig corner was partly cleared before being smashed back in by Churchy (I think, could have been Macca) but a great save from The visitors keeper kept the score goalless.

A Wanderers effort just cleared the bar as the half drew to a close. A Bolton free kick on the edge of the box came to nothing before the final action of the half saw Brig break away but a shot from distance again cleared the crossbar.

Bolton started the 2nd half strongly, and Felix The Cat Goddard agian made a superb save, pushing the ball on to the post. From a fierce drice following a driving run in to the box.

On the hour Brig took the lead and Fin Sinclair-Smith provided the finish with a superb strike across the keeper having been sent clear down the hand side of the penalty area. A quality goal from the Brig striker who is looking incredibly sharp in pre season.

Pondy then saw a volleyed effort whistle over the bar before “The Cat” was called in to action for Brig again, this time punching away a dangerous cross from the left, before then rising well to safely gather another left sided cross. Felix was having a great game and shortly after the 2nd half drinks break dived to save another powerful, Wanderers effort.

Fin almost made it 2 for Brig, racing clear down the centre, a last ditch tackle as he got his shot in saw the ball deflect just inches over the bar for a corner. The Wanderers keeper was next to make a superb save has he reacted superbly diving t to his right to punch a Pondy bullet header away to safety.
That was the last action of a really enjoyable match and a fine victory for Bamber Bridge against their League One opponents. Every credit to both sets of players for putting on a great game in extremely hot conditions

Full Time: Bamber Bridge – 1 Bolton Wanderers – 0

Att: 415