The match started at a fast pace, with both sides having early attempts on goal. Mateusz Hewelt made a good save to parry Ntumba Massanka’s long-distance effort behind in what was his first match since signing for Tranmere Rovers.

At the other end, Matty Thomson’s shot looked to be on target but was blocked by a Stalybridge defender.

The visitors then opened the scoring on 11 minutes when Massanka connected with a Justin Johnson cross and placed his effort in the corner of the net.

In the closing stages of the first half, Brig had a flurry of chances. Dan Martin’s shot was well blocked, before looping up into the grasp of goalkeeper Liam Hughes. On 36 minutes, Aaron Skinner received the ball on the right flank before controlling it, cutting inside beyond several defenders and curling an effort wide of the post.

The final notable moment of the half came when Brig captain Macauley Wilson poked the ball over the line from a corner, but there was adjudged to have been an offside in the build-up to the goal.

The second half started in a similar way to the first, with both sides having chances early on. Callum Harris fired over the bar on the turn for the visitors, before Skinner and Jacob Holland-Wilkinson both came close for Brig just before the hour mark. Paul Dawson then met a first-time cross from Rhys Turner but could only guide his header narrowly over the bar.

On 71 minutes, the visitors were awarded a penalty, which was converted by Harris into the bottom left corner.

Jamie Milligan’s side continued to press in the closing stages in search of a goal that could have sparked a comeback, but it wasn’t forthcoming. Both Dawson and Fin Sinclair-Smith saw well-struck shots blocked, and Jacob Holland-Wilkinson was played through on goal but was beaten to the ball by the despairing glove of the goalkeeper.

Brig are next in action on February 5 in the NPL Premier Division, when they travel to Ashton United.