With the play off spot guaranteed, Bamber Bridge made the long journey to Derbyshire on “Jazzy Shirt” day to face Play off chasing Matlock Town. A 1-0 defeat in what was frankly a pretty turgid game did little to dampen the spirits of a sizeable Brig following all intent on celebrating a fantastic season from Millie, The coaching staff, The playing squad and of course the supporters themselves, who have made themselves heard at every ground in the Northern Premier League this season.

With Supporters on the coach all wearing an horrendous array of weird and wonderful coloured shirts, displaying Parrots, Palm, Trees, bright yellow flowers, Toucans and even footballs on fire! We set off on a pleasant coach journey through the winding Limestone vista clad roads of the Derbyshire Peak District, coupled with The Matlock Town beer and Gin Festival all boded well for a great day.

The game started with the Brig playing in all yellow on a soft but decent looking pitch. With debutant keeper James Pradic a loan signing from North End stepping into the breach and Captain Fantastic Macca, donning the No.10 shirt the game got under way. A midfield battle ensued for a good 10 minutes without either goalkeeper being involved. The home side however, still with a hope of making the last play off position, began to increase the tempo and started enjoying the bulk of possession as the match wore on.

Fin Cross-Adair had the first Brig opportunity on 20 minutes, cutting in from the left and striking a firm shot that drifted a foot wide of the keepers left hand post. The Gladiators were picking up plenty of free kicks around the box as the referee seemed to give every challenge as a foul. On a couple of such occasions the Brig backline were forced to hack the ball clear as the hosts looked to get the ball into the danger area.

The defining moment of the match arrived on 41 minutes when Town were awarded what looked a very soft penalty, described as “a clip” on the heels of the Gladiators forward, it seemed very harsh to us, but I guess we would say that! Alex Byrne The Matlock No.7 stepped up and drilled the ball home from the spot.

The hosts now had the upper hand and Brig were struggling to get any kind of foothold in the game. Conor Stanley saw a shot from distance comfortably gathered by the home keeper, but it was Town who looked the more likely to add to their lead as the half drew to a close. A free kick form 25 yards was deflected over the bar for a corner and Brig had to deal with several more balls in to the box before the referee brought the first half proceedings to a close.

Back in to the clubhouse and the award for the best “Jazzy shirt” was made. Well done to Adrian Black for his Pink and Claret winning attire. Mind you, we demand a “stewards enquiry” here, Turns out Adrian is Club Secretary Scott’s Uncle !!!! (Only kidding Adrian).

Millie opted for two changes at the beginning of the 2nd half, Fin Cross-Adair made way for Fin Sinclair-Smith and Donovan Lescott replaced Joe Robins. The changes seemed to give Brig a lift as the visitors began to look far more threatening. A fine sweeping move down the left wing saw the ball switched across the edge of the area to Conor Stanley, who chipped the ball over the keeper only to see it fall agonisingly wide of the post. Macca, revelling in the No.10 shirt then struck a 30 yard thunderbolt that cannoned back off the face of the crossbar. With Brig now getting on top Fin Sinclair-Smith collided with the boundary wall as he chased a ball down the right hand channel, thankfully after treatment he was OK to continue.

The home side were now being forced to defend their lead and that defence looked to have been breached as Macca found the back of the net following a mix up where the Gladiators keeper and his own centre half collided. The referee disallowing the goal and incredibly awarding a free kick to the keeper. An astounding decision.

Luke Mariette struck a shot over the bar as Brig poured forward looking for that elusive equaliser. The home side were still probing as well and another free kick was headed back across goal from the far post but hooked off the line before the forward could get a touch to force it home.

As the game entered the final minutes the home side had clearly settled on their one goal advantage and sat deeper as Brig tried in vain to get what would probably have been a deserved equaliser based on the second half performance. The last opportunity fell to Rowan Roache who saw a fierce shot deflected up and over the bar form the outstretched leg of the Town full back. The corner was cleared and the referee blew for full time.

The result leaves Bamber Bridge with a guaranteed third place finish with still the opportunity to clinch the runners up spot. Brig will have to beat Ashton Utd at home next weekend and hope that Hyde United can clinch an away victory at Warrington Town. The victory for Matlock Town means they must better both Radcliffe and Hyde Utd, results next weekend to claim the final play off spot.

So, back into the Matlock Town clubhouse, and spirits were not in the least dampened as both home and away fans enjoyed the post match entertainment with some rousing singing accompaniment to the excellent voice of the lady singing on the stage.

The Grand National on the Big screen then brought triple celebration for Daniellea, Her birthday yesterday, was followed by scooping the half time match day draw and then seeing the horse she had picked in the sweep romp home in first place.

After wishing our hosts well it was back on the coach and a stop off at The Rams Head in Disley, courtesy of Nick Boardman, whose relatives run this smashing pub. Players, staff and supporters enjoyed a celebratory drink before getting back on the bus for the obligatory sing- song.

A great day, a great season. And it isn’t over yet. “Up the Brig !!”

Full Time: Matlock Town – 1 Bamber Bridge – 0
Bamber Bridge: Pradic, Robbins, Mariette, Skinner, Thomson, Stanley, Dawson, Churchman, Cross-Adair, Wilson ©, Sinclair (I)

Substitutes: Sinclair-Smith, Forbes, Roache, Lescott, Sinclair (S)

Attendance: 954