In the words of ex North End manager Graham Westley, Bamber Bridge came away from Hurst Cross, home of Ashton United on Tuesday evening with a “Winning Draw”. A first half that was dominated by the home side and saw them squander at least 4 gilt edged chances, was followed by a much more resolute second half showing from Brig enabled the Lancashire side to return home with a very credible point.

Bamber Bridge, having not been involved in any football activity at all during their 14 day Covid-19 quarantine period had started well. An early George Thomason shot whistled just passed the keepers right hand post in the first minute. Ashton responded immediately and Danny Roccia in the Brig goal dived smartly moments later to smother a shot from the edge of the box.

The early pressure however was coming from the visitors who on 10 minutes forced a series of 3 corners in quick succession. The 3rd ending with a shot from Brig debutant Olatunde Bayode which was comfortably gathered by the home keeper.

From an attacking sense that was the last real threat of the half posed by The Lancashire visitors as the home side took control and pressed Brig back. On 15 minutes a smart move down the left wing was cut back across the 6 yard line by The Ashton No.11 Millenic Alli, an initial shot was blocked and cleared, the ball was then whipped back into the area and met with a close range downward header that somehow bounced up and over the bar. Brig were now struggling to retain possession as the home side poured forward at every opportunity. Alli was causing Briggers real problems has he constantly looked to get to the byline. Twice Danny Roccia was forced into diving saves and on three occasions the Hurst Cross side blazed over the bar following from close range.

Brig were defending resolutely and has the half drew to a close looked to have weathered the storm. The half ending with a Bamber Bridge free kick that flashed just wide of the post.

Brig manager Jamie Milligan made two half time changes, Danny Forbes and Matt Dudley coming on to replace Chris Marlow and Richie Allen. Again Brig started the half brightly, Tunde pulling the ball back from a tight angle only to see the oncoming shot well blocked by the Ashton defender. Tunde again was involved, minutes later firing a shot from 18 yards following a slick passing move. The ball flashing wide of the post.

The 2nd half was already looking a much more even affair but Brig had some defending to do on the hour when Danny Roccia raced from his goal to make a great block, The ball fell kindly to the home striker who looked certain to score but was thwarted by a superb headed clearance from Macauley Wilson who somehow managed to arc backwards and flick the ball over the bar.

Brig were looking dangerous now and on 65 minutes a short corner routine ended with a 10 yard powerful header from Danny Forbes that brought a full length diving save from the Ashton keeper. Matt Dudley then came close, following a super through ball down the left channel, he cut inside, but saw the ball whipped from his toe has he shaped to shoot.

Brig made their final change on 70 minutes, Callum King-Harmes coming on to replace Tunde. The match was certainly in the balance at this stage with both sides looking for the winner. Ashton Utd saw a shot from distance deflected for a corner, before Danny Roccia pulled of a great save, diving to push another long range effort around the post. At the other end, Isaac Sinclair found space on the right before coming inside and striking a curling left foot shot the home keeper dived to smother.

With the game entering the closing stages, the home side were reduced to 10 men, The Ashton centre half tangled with Daniel Wisdom in the centre Circle and received a straight red for the challenge. From my vantage point behind the goal it seemed harsh. The last action of the match saw a Brig free kick well into added time from 30 yards out. The ball was cleared and the referee brought proceedings to a close with the final whistle.

A very well earned point for The Briggers. The home side may point to a glut of missed chances in the first half but Brig dug deep and showed tremendous determination and character to come away with a point and a clean sheet.

Full Time: Ashton United – 0 Bamber Bridge – 0
Att: 209 (Approx 25 Briggers)

Bamber Bridge: Roccia, Churchman, Marlow, Lawlor (Capt.), Wilson, Wisdom, Bayode, Thomason, Sinclair, Yeats, Allen
Subs: Forbes, Crawford, Dudley, King-Harmes, Radcliffe