Bamber Bridge’s pursuit of that elusive first win of the season continues after a 2-0 reverse at the hands of newly promoted Warrington Rylands at the Rylands Recreation Club on Tuesday evening. Two second half goals saw the hosts record their first victory of the season in a game best described as nervy and lacklustre.

Bamber Bridge made their first visit to Rylands for a competitive fixture on a warm late August evening. The game started in Frantic fashion with the ball seemingly pinging from end to end. No real pattern emerged as neither side managed to get any particular grip on the game. Chances were at a premium, the nearest Brig came in the opening 30 minutes was a Rhys Turner shot from the edge of the box as Fin Sinclair-Smith chested the ball into his path. The shot disappearing over the bar.

A low Fin cross then flashed across the 6 yard line, but there was no one on hand to supply the finishing touch. Rylands picked up 3 first half yellow cards as their robust style of play certainly unsettled the visitors. The home side had the bulk of play in a drab first half without really testing Felix in the Brig goal. At the other end, The home keeper was similarly inactive. The nearest Brig came to breaking the deadlock followed a fine sweeping move down the right wing, Harvey Hughes whipped a low cross over to Rhys Turner who turned and fired in a good effort that cleared the bar by inches.

A dangerous free-kick on the edge of the Brig penalty area for the home side came to nothing as the half fizzled out to leave the scoreline goalless at the break.

The home side had the first opportunity of the 2nd period, a forward pass leading to the ball being hooked clear from close to the goaline. Brig responded and Noah Alabi found himself clear on goal, but the home keeper ran forward to spread himself well and block the shot. Aaron Skinner then fired a tame shot well wide, before the Rylands keeper made his first save of the night, collecting a Volleyed effort from Isaac Sinclair comfortably.

With the game drifting to what looked an inevitable goalless draw, the hosts took the lead on 71 minutes. Felix Goddard, saved the initial effort but Brig failed to clear the danger and the ball was returned and thumped home to put the hosts in front. Brig made two changes, Sheldon Green and Will Riding replacing Isaac Sinclair and Noah Alabi. Sheldon was only inches away from connecting with a Fin right Wing cross at the far post just moments after his introduction but the ball flashed past him and out for a goal kick.

With the match coming to a close, the home side doubled their lead to give the scoreline a somewhat flattering appearance. Corner from the right dropped to the Rylands striker who struck a low shot, the ball seem to squeeze through the grasp of Felix in the Brig goal to put the result beyond doubt and pretty much sum up a disappointing evening.

The full time whistle ended a frustrating night for Bamber Bridge, a game where the visitors never got into their stride didn’t trouble the home keeper nearly enough. A poor game all in all and Brig now await the arrival of FCUM this coming Saturday where they will hope to get that elusive first 3 points.

Full Time: Warrington Rylands – 2 Bamber Bridge – 0

Bamber Bridge: Goddard, Churchman, Hughes, Perkins, Pond ©, Thomson, Alabi, Skinner, Turner, Sinclair, Sinclair-Smith

Substitutes: Daly, Riding, Green, Wilson

Att: 423