Bamber Bridge returned from Craik Park, home of The Highwaymen of Morpeth Town on Tuesday evening with all 3 points following a terrific display, coming from 1 goal down to win 3-1. The match was the first game to be played on the brand new 3g synthetic pitch at the picturesque North East stadium and drew a bumper attendance of 780, including a hardy bunch of 11 Brig supporters.

The game started in cagey fashion with both sides trying to come to terms with the new surface. Morpeth had the 1st attempt of the game on 10 minutes, a shot from distance that Danny Roccia in goal for The Briggers, saved comfortably. Seconds later and the home side had the ball in the net but the Linesman had his flag raised for offside.

Bamber Bridge slowly but surely started to build their way into the game. Danny Forbes fired in a shot following a diagonal run but it flashed wide of the post. A Mark Yeats free kick from the left of the penalty area was then headed clear, returned and found Isaac Sinclair, who’s header dropped inches wide. With the visitors now on top, Ewan Bange seized on a loose back bass and forced the keeper to hurriedly clear, Rob Apter trapped the ball 25 yards from goal but he dragged his shot and it missed the target. Apter again moments later tried his luck from distance but again the effort was wide of the post.

Brig looked the far more likely to score at this stage. Mark Yeates chipped in a cross from the left wing that evaded everyone in the area and clipped the far post, Isaac Sinclair then troubled the same post with a 20 yard daisy cutter. However, the opening goal of the match came at the other end, a corner was pushed away by Danny Roccia but smashed home from 10 yards to give a Morpeth the lead against the run of play.

Lifted by the goal the home side pushed on and Danny Roccia made a superb diving save to keep out a powerful shot from the edge of the area. Brig responded and as the half drew to a close had a real opportunity to level the scores. A low cross from the right wing was controlled in the penalty area by Ewan Bange who turned and got in a shot from 8 yards, the home keeper dived to his left and pushed it around the post for a corner. Half time and the host led 1-0

A 2nd half change for the Lancashire visitors saw Chris Churchman replace Danny Forbes. The early exchanges of the half saw an Isaac Sinclair cross from the left that Ewan Bange stretched for but the ball agonisingly, was just out of reach and ran across the 6 yard line and was cleared. Another Sinclair run ended when he was tripped just outside the box. Mark Yeates stepped up, his free kick over the wall dropping inches wide of the keepers right hand post. At the other end Danny Roccia then pulled off another superb save, flicking the ball over the bar from a point blank header.

On the hour, the deserved Bamber Bridge equaliser arrived. Another free kick from roughly the same position as his last effort allowed Mark Yeates a second opportunity, this time his free kick curled over the wall and nestled in the bottom corner of the net, much to the delight of the Brig supporters behind the goal. Buoyed by the goal Brig went on the offensive, A flick on from Ewan Bange sent Rob Apter clear into the penalty area, he chose to go high with his shot and The Highwaymen keeper got his hand to the ball and flicked it over the bar.

Bamber Bridge made a second substitution with Sheldon Green coming for Isaac Sinclair who’d had another fine game. Rob Apter saw a shot saved at the second attempt as he cut inside from the left of the penalty area before another Brig free kick for a foul on Callum Spooner gave Mark Yeates another chance. This time his free kick went through the wall but was saved by the keeper.

With the game entering the final stages Brig made a 3rd change, with Matt Dudley replacing Mark Yeates and it was “Dudders” who gave the visitors a deserved lead on 88 minutes, A low ball in to the area from the left was controlled by Dudley, and smashed under the keeper from 10 yards prompting wild celebrations on the terrace behind the goal. The points were sealed 3 minutes into injury time as Rob Apter was tripped in the penalty area has he shaped to shoot. Ewan Bange stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way to claim his 3rd goal of the season and Brig’s third of the night.

Moments later and the referee blew full time whistle. The Brig players and staff, to a man (and woman) came over to the Brig fans behind the goal and shook the hands of every supporter. A very well received gesture.

A fabulous display and fully deserving of the 3 points. With every player putting in a great shift. Special mention for Danny Roccia in goal who made several top drawer saves. As the supporters returned to the clubhouse it’s worth noting the Morpeth Town supporters, whilst being disappointed at their defeat where thoroughly gracious in their praise for the Brig display. This really is a superb place to visit.

Full time: Morpeth Town – 1 Bamber Bridge – 3

Bamber Bridge: Roccia Spooner, White, Flynn, Wilson (Capt.) Forbes, Apter, Boyle, Bange, Yeates, Sinclair.

Subs: Churchman, Dudley, Green Thompson, Gourley