Jamie Milligan's side now have 41 points from their 20 games this season, putting them one ahead of Matlock Town and South Shields.

It was Apter who had the first clear-cut opportunity of the contest on 12 minutes. He sent his curling effort over the bar from just outside the area after an excellent surging run towards the area.

Sheldon Green then tested Adam Collin in the Basford goal with a low effort from a tight angle, with the goalkeeper able to make a good low save.

On 38 minutes, Preston North End loanee Joe Rodwell-Grant fired a well-struck effort towards goal from 25 yards out after finding some space, but saw his shot saved by the fingertips of Collin.

Shortly before half-time, Basford had an opportunity to open the scoring when Kane Richards powered a header towards goal, with Mateusz Hewelt showing good hands to hold on to the forward’s effort.

In the second half, Green came close for Brig when his 25 yard strike dipped and went just wide of the post. At the other end, Richards was again involved, with Hewelt again denying the forward with a good stop from close range.

The defining moment of the game came with three minutes of normal time to play. Substitute Matt Dudley was brought down in the area, with the referee pointing to the spot. Apter stepped up and emphatically fired his penalty into the top right corner to win the game for Brig.