Bamber Bridge returned to winning ways on Tuesday evening with a late Rob Apter goal to claim all 3 points on the 3g Plastic pitch at The Don Amott Arena, home of Mickleover Sports in deepest darkest Derbyshire. A good performance from the Lancashire visitors and fully deserving of the victory.

Autumn seemed to have arrived in Derbyshire as the game kicked off in darkness and pouring rain. Brig started in energetic fashion pinning the hosts back in the opening minutes. Rob Apter set the tone for the game with a driving run into the penalty area from the right wing. He cut the ball back along the 6 yard line but it was hacked clear as Ewan Bange looked ready to pounce. Another right wing cross was headed clear by the home side before Rob Apter was involved again, this time striking a 20 yard shot that the keeper dived full length to his left to save.

Chances were coming on a regular basis for Brig, Mark Yeates fizzing a shot just wide of the keepers right hand post as Bamber Bridge continued to dominate possession. Rob Apter again flashed a low across in from the right that ran across the 6 yard line, and out to safety. It was then the turn of recent signing Fin Sinclair- Smith received the ball with his back to goal on the 6 yard line after great work from Ewan Bange, surrounded by defenders Fin went for an audacious back heel that was heading for the bottom corner but the home keeper was alert to the danger and saved the effort.

Chances were coming and going and with Brig failing to take advantage of their dominance the home side started to get back into the game. The first effort of the half from the home side came in the last 5 minutes of the half when a shot from the edge of the penalty area whistled just wide of the Brig goal. The last chance of the half fell to Ewan Bange as he made dribbled in to the area but was closed down as he got in a shot from 6 yards and the keeper saved comfortably.

The second half started with the home side trying to get a foothold in the game. They almost took the lead on 50 minutes when a looping cross from the right seemed to deceive Brig keeper Mateusz Hewelt and crashed back off the post before being hooked clear. Brig responded and Macauley Wilson was twice involved in quick succession, first heading narrowly over from a right wing cross and then flicking on a straight ball into the box that beat the keeper but flew just wide of the post.

Bamber Bridge were back on top and dominating again. Mark Yeates, having another superb game, was sent clear down the right, he cut the ball back from the goal line and it ran right across the area, just 2 yards from goal and just needing a touch. The home side breathed again as the ball was hooked away at the back post.

were playing on the break and looked to have taken the lead on 70 minutes. A shot from distance cannoned back of the bar and was bundled home on the rebound. Brig were relieved to see the Linesman’s flag raised and the goal was disallowed for offside. Bamber Bridge made a change on 75 minutes with Matt Dudley replacing Isaac Sinclair. Moments later another chance went begging as Fin Sinclair- Smith scooped over the bar after good work from Ewan Bange.

With the match heading for what would have been a frustrating draw, Bamber Bridge grabbed the winner in the 88th minute. Again Brig worked the right channel and as a low cross came in to the penalty area, Rob Apter controlled the ball before smashing into under the keeper in to the back of the net from 10 yards to send the Briggers behind the goal wild with delight.

Two further changes saw Danny Forbes and Ryan White replace, Fin and Mark Yeates as the visitors comfortably played out the remaining minutes. Full time brought a great roar from both players and fans alike. The Brig squad coming to the end behind the goal to high 5 all the Brig fans.

Back into the bar and the night was summed up perfectly by Rob Melling. “Do you want a drink Rob?” - “Yes please, I’ll have pint of 3 points on a wet night in Derbyshire!” Good choice!!

After 3 defeats it was important for Bamber Bridge to get back to winning ways and the 3 points coupled with a really good performance did just that.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports – 0 Bamber Bridge – 1
Bamber Bridge: Hewelt, Churchman, Higham, Spooner, Wilson (Capt.), Boyle, Apter, Sinclair, Bange, Yeates, Sinclair-Smith
Subs: Carney, Forbes, green, Dudley, White