Bamber Bridge made it through to the 2nd qualifying round of the FA cup on Saturday afternoon with a 97th minute winner from Fin Sinclair-Smith. The visitors Whickham FC had defended heroically and in truth it was a cruel way for them to go out of the cup. However, Bamber Bridge had dominated for almost the whole game and were worthy winners.

Brig fielded the same starting 11 that had secured 3 points at Guiseley on Bank Holiday Monday. The visitors, Whickham FC from Gateshead in the North East where to prove a tough nut to crack. From the start Brig were on top but the Whickham defence limited The Lancashire side to shots from distance in the opening half. Paul Dawson saw a 25 yard shot fly wide of the upright before Fin Sinclair- Smith struck a goal-bound 20 yard shot the at the visiting keeper palmed down comfortably.

Sheldon Green had the next Brig effort, receiving the ball with his back to goal, he turned inside creating space for himself but his shot cleared the bar. A well worked corner routine from Brig saw the ball in the back of the net, but the celebration was cut short at the sight of the Linesman's flag raised for offside.

The visiting keeper then made a fine diving save as he stopped another Paul Dawson shot, low to his right. Whickham were defending superbly and working tirelessly as they kept Brig at arms left for the remainder of the first half.

The second half started as the first had ended with Bamber Bridge pressing and probing, looking to open up the resolute Whickham defence. Isaac Sinclair was introduced replacing Noah Alabi. A Fin Sinclair-Smith powerful shot from 18 yards flashed just inches wide of the post before Paul Dawson connected on the volley with a diagonal ball to the far post, again the Whickham keeper dived bravely to block the shot.

Nathan Pond picked up a leg injury with the game heading towards the last 20 minutes and was replaced by new signing Rene Osie Kofie. Moments later and the keeper pulled of another great save, this time diving full length to his right to push away a terrific volley from Chris Churchman that looked destined to find the back of the net.

Paul Dawson found the net with a powerful downward header but once again was frustrated to find the flag raised for offside. Macca then struck a 30 yard shot over the bar as it began to look increasingly like the visitors would be taking Bamber Bridge back up to Gateshead for a reply on Tuesday evening. Arron Skinner cut inside from the left but his shot went high and wide. Brig made their final substitution as Wil Riding came on to replace Sheldon Green.

With the game well into stoppage time and approaching 97 minutes Brig found a way through. A Diagonal ball from the right was met on the Volley by Fin, his low controlled shot flashing passed the diving Whickham keeper and in to the back of the net. Fin took off towards the corner flag in celebration, followed by his ecstatic team mates.

Less than a minute later the referee blew the full time whistle and Brig were through to the next round. Massive credit though to our visitors who put in an almighty effort only to be beaten with essentially the last kick of the match. The keeper received a great ovation from the Brig fans and it was fully deserved.

So, no long journey to the North East for Brig this coming Tuesday, instead we host Marine in a Northern Premier League fixture.

Full Time: Bamber Bridge – 1 Whickham FC – 0

Bamber Bridge: Goddard, Churchman, Skinner, Thomson, Wilson ©, Pond, Green, Perkins, Sinclair-Smith, Alabi

Substitutes: Riding, Sinclair, Osie Kofi

Att: 175