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 4th 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 13th 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 85th 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.

Full Time: Bamber Bridge – 2 Guiseley AFC – 1

Bamber Bridge: Goddard, Green, Skinner, Churchman, Pond, Wilson ©, Sinclair-Smith, Forbes, Sinclair (I), Dawson, Lescott

Substitutes: Robbins, Roache, Tweedley, Sinclair (S), Alabi

Attendance: 559