What a comeback !!! What a Win !!! Bamber Bridge took all 3 points with a superb 2nd half performance at The Marine Travel Arena, home of Marine Football Club on Saturday afternoon. Trailing by two gaols at the break, Brig stormed back with 3 fabulous second half goals to earn all 3 points and cement their place in the top 5 of the Northern Premier league. Arguably the best performance of the season. Actually, there is no argument at all, that was the best performance of the season so far.

Bamber Bridge made four changes with Luke Hutchinson making his debut in goal, Matt Thomson back after a lengthy injury lay off, Harry Scarborough back for a second loan spell and Joe Robbins all coming into the side.

On a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon on Merseyside, Brig were up against a gale force wind as well as a strong Marine side in the first half. The Crosby based side are themselves pushing for a play of spot and with the wind at their backs, it was the home side that had slightly the better of the opening phase of the match after a frenetic start. The Irongate visitors were trying to keep the ball on the 3g pitch and much to their credit, played some good football despite the wind. An early move down the right led to Fin Sinclair-Smith shooting from 20 yards, but a fine defensive block saw the ball cleared to safety.

With the first real opportunity of the match Marine took the lead on 12 minutes. A low cross from the left was swept home from close range giving the Merseysiders the early advantage. Brig responded well and another smart right wing move found Harry Scarborough, who whipped over a low cross from the byline, the ball being forced out for a corner before any Brig player could connect. Minutes late and another swift break, again down the right ended with a Matt Thomson shot from the edge of the box, that unfortunately struck Harry Scarborough on it’s way towards goal allowing the keeper to dive at his feet and gather the ball.

As the half progressed the home side began to get on top and in the 34th minute were awarded a penalty that can best be described as very harsh. Pondy adjudged to have committed the foul in the box. The spot kick was duly dispatched giving the hosts a healthy 2 goal lead. Marine saw out the half to lead at the break. The strength of the howling gale had clearly played a part and so it was to prove in the second half.

Brig began the second period on the front foot, Isaac Sinclair striking a rising 20 yard shot over the bar. Bamber Bridge, now with the wind at their backs poured forward and on 50 minutes Fin won the ball on the right, before cutting back a great ball to Harry Scarborough who struck a fierce shot goal-bound, the home keeper reacting sharply to palm the ball away. Harry wasn’t to be denied however when just 3 minutes later he picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and curled a superb low shot into the keepers bottom left corner, The diving Marine stopper unable to reach the ball as it nestled in the back of the net.

Brig were really on top now and by 57 minutes we were all square. Fin Sinclair-Smith smashing an unstoppable shot from the the right side of the area into the keepers near post. With the Brig fans behind the goal still celebrating Fin went one better just 2 minutes later, this time picking the ball up wide left, stepping inside and curling a wonderful chipped effort over the keeper and into the far corner of the net. An incredible turnaround in just 15 minutes. Brig were on fire, and Harry Scarborough almost grabbed his second of the match as he raced on to a chipped ball into the box, the keeper getting there just ahead of the Brig striker to make the save.

The weather by this stage of the match was just as incredible as the game itself, driving hail was thundering into the faces of the fans behind the goal, I imagine that’s what it feels like to be sandblasted !!!

Brig made their first change on 74 minutes, Captain, Macaulay Wilson going off with what looked to be a shoulder injury and replaced by Sky Sinclair. The hosts were trying to force themselves back into the match but The Brig defence was keeping them at arms length. A cross from the right was claimed comfortably by Luke Hutchinson making his Brig debut in goal. A short free kick then led to a shooting opportunity but the shot was wide of the post.

A second Bamber Bridge substitute saw Donovan Lescott replace Joe Robbins before a third and final change when Chris Churchman hobbled off to be replaced by another debutant in Luke Mariette, who has joined us from Blackpool.

Fin struck a fierce goal bound shot which was well saved by the home keeper as the game entered 5 minutes of added time. The heavens opened again as the hailstones hammered into the Briggers behind the goal, who frankly weren’t bothered in the slightest as the cheered the lads home to a fabulous 3 points and gave them a standing ovation (OK, we were standing anyway !).

What a second half, What a team, what a club, what a great day and what a fantastic victory.

Full time: Marine - 2 Bamber Bridge – 3

Bamber Bridge: Hutchinson, Green, Skinner, Thomson, Pond, Wilson ©, Sinclair (I), Scarborough, Robbins, Sinclair-Smith

Substitutes: Roache, Turner, Lescott, Sinclair (S), Mariette

Att: 1,171