Clitheroe 1 Bamber Bridge 2

NPL 1st Division
9th December 2006

By Dave Rowland

A double strike by an in-form Ryan Salmon was enough to ensure that Bamber Bridge completed the league-double over Lancashire rivals Clitheroe in this closely fought derby in the Ribble Valley. It was a game of ‘two halves’ with Brig going in at the interval a goal to the good after shading the first 45 minutes and Clitheroe hitting back after the break playing with a good deal of spirit and endeavour. The defining moment came in the 71st minute when Clitheroe striker James Dean was dismissed by referee Mr Law for a second yellow-card offence with the game finely balanced at 1-1.

Bamber Bridge returned to Shawbridge hoping to avenge their FA Trophy defeat suffered there two months earlier when the Blues came back from a two goal deficit to win the tie late in the game. Ironically, newly appointed Clitheroe manager Neil Reynolds was wearing a Brig shirt that day but this time around he was hoping to put one over on his former team-mates in his first game in charge of the Ribble Valley side. Both sides were keen to put some points on the board to avoid becoming entangled in the relegation dogfight in the new year. There is a distinct possibility that relegation may be shelved at the end of the current season due to restructuring but, as yet, this has not become an established fact.

The Irongate side’s leading marksman Alex Porter was again unavailable due to suspension and was serving the second game of a three match ban imposed for his dismissal against League-leaders Buxton on the 18th November. Also out of the reckoning was central defensive pair Kevin Brown and George Melling who have been sidelined recently due to niggling injuries. Brig Manager Andy Whittaker made just one change to his winning line-up from the game against Kidsgrove Athletic on the previous Saturday. New signing Jeff Underwood, ironically from Clitheroe, who put pen to paper only days before the game, came in at right-back replacing Robin Myers who was named as one of the substitutes.

The game opened on a quiet note, unlike the FA Trophy game between the two sides in October, when both teams went at each other with great gusto right from the kick-off.

Brig got into their stride first and moved the ball about with greater urgency than their hosts. Indeed, they came very close to opening their account on 15 minutes when Clitheroe goalkeeper Paul Horridge bravely dived at the feet of the inrushing Salmon to block the effort and had to receive lengthy treatment for his troubles.

The home side suddenly came to life and on 20 minutes when Simon Garner found Dean in space but the tall striker’s snap-shot was easily dealt with by Brig goalkeeper David Newnes.

However, the visitors were playing with greater fluency and their endeavours paid off with a goal just past the half-hour mark.

Brig skipper Jamie Squires set Steve Brown away down the right flank with a superbly struck pass from distance. Brown’s cross caused mayhem in the Clitheroe penalty box and Salmon was on hand to pick up the pieces and slot home from close range.

There was little seen of Clitheroe as an attacking force as Bamber Bridge began to set the pace. However, despite clearly having the upper hand, the visitors weren’t really creating many meaningful chances.

The home side looked a different proposition after the break with a more determined approach and former Brigger Jason Jones came close to an equaliser on 50 minutes when Newnes had to be at his best to keep out the midfielders rocket-shot from just outside the box.

Five minutes later Newnes once again denied Clitheroe when stopping an Ian Johnson effort and then saw Dean hook the rebound over an empty net.

Brig fought hard to wrestle back control and Danny Mahoney saw his volley fly narrowly past the goalpost with Horridge beaten on 57 minutes.

Brig had a near escape soon after when Jamie Squires cleared a Dean effort off the goal-line. However, the Blues were not to be denied and scored arguably the best goal of the game on the hour mark to deservedly grab the equaliser.

Clitheroe’s man-of-the-match Jason Jones pulled a superb ball back across the penalty-box from near the bye-line and substitute Darrel Avery fired home from the edge of the area, the ball entering the net via an upright, giving Newnes no chance.

Unlike the FA Trophy game back in October when Brig had capitulated in similar circumstances, they now showed greater resolution. However, their cause was given an unexpected boost on 71 minutes when Dean was sent off for a second book-able offence just when his side had gained the upper hand.

Clitheroe to their credit continued to push forward in search of the winner but they were completely undone on 78 minutes when Salmon took advantage of some sloppy defending to clinch the points for the visitors with a real opportunists goal. He caught Blues defender Tom Benfield in possession near the right hand side of the penalty area and drew Horridge from his line before bundling the ball home from six yards much to the joy of the small band of Brig followers.

The young Brig striker almost got his hat-trick in the closing stages narrowly heading wide a fine Mike Fletcher cross.

Bamber Bridge: Newnes, Underwood, Archer, Squires, Fleming, Fletcher, S Brown, Mahoney, Noon (Spencer 78mins), Salmon, Ince. unused subs : Myers and Edmeads.

Attendance: 236

YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS

GET IN, SALMON!!!!

Well done lad. Great result for the bridge

Yeah another great result hope they keep this going over a very busy christmas period.

And our Ryan has now scored 10 goals this season which is not tobad with still half a season left to play.

And he aint been starting all of the games! Give him my best Ste

Bamber Bridge 3 Atherton Laburnum Rovers 2

Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
12th December 2006

By Dave Rowland

Bamber Bridge eased their way through to the Third Round of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy after this 3-2 extra-time win over their gallant North West Counties League opponents. After taking a comfortable two goal lead in the second half, Brig almost let the tie slip from their grasp when Rovers snatched two late goals. The South Ribble side had to rely on a fine goal scored by Steve Brown direct from a free-kick to win the game in the second period of extra-time.

Bamber Bridge were looking to continue the good run of form which has seen the Irongate club victorious in their last three outings. Also a good run in the prestigious old county competition would not go amiss. Their North West Counties League guests Atherton Laburnum Rovers were hoping for another ‘giant killing’ following their remarkable 5-4 win at Radcliffe Borough in the First Round on the 7th November. The game had been postponed the week previously due to the Irongate pitch being waterlogged.

Alex Porter was serving the last game of a three match ban and therefore was unavailable as was injured central defender Kevin Brown. Manager Andy Whittaker made four changes from his winning line-up at Clitheroe on Saturday, one of them positional. Midfielder Danny Mahoney filled in at full-back due to new signing Jeff Underwood being cup-tied. Paul Roberts was drafted in to replace Mahoney in midfield. Skipper Jamie Squires was rested making way for George Melling who was returning from injury and Neil Spencer was brought in to lead the line with Karl Noon taking his place on the bench.

Rovers opened in lively fashion and went close after only 2 minutes when Rob Hope shot narrowly over the crossbar from distance. However, Brig began to make in-roads through the visitors defence as the early enthusiasm shown by Rovers began to diminish.

Atherton goalkeeper Stuart Norman made the first of three top drawer saves on 10 minutes to deny Ryan Salmon, diving bravely at the strikers feet after a fine Mahoney pass had set up the chance. Another excellent through-ball by Mahoney was caught on the volley by Spencer five minutes later but Norman reacted swiftly to push the effort onto the crossbar and away for a corner. An even better save followed when Norman palmed a block-buster of a free-kick by Steven Brown just over the bar.

With the pressure now so intense it was little surprise when Bamber Bridge got their noses in front on 24 minutes. Mike Fletcher planted a header directly into the path of Salmon who drew Norman from his line before firing home his third goal in two games to put the Irongate men front.

Four minutes later, with the home side well in control, Roberts put Spencer in on goal but Norman was quickly out to smother the danger. Then just before the break Norman saved with his feet from the inrushing Roberts following a fine run and pass by Tom Ince on the left.

It could be said with some justification that the visitors had been kept in the game during the first-half following a fine display of goalkeeping by Norman, one of three brothers in the Rovers line-up.

Rovers showed a lot of spirit as the second-half commenced but were playing second fiddle to the Northern Premier League side. Indeed, Brig should have increased their lead on 66 minutes when Salmon was put in by substitute Noon but his effort failed to defeat the irrepressible Norman.

The game looked all over for the gallant Rovers on 70 minutes when Salmon turned provider and Roberts obliged sending his shot from the edge of the area crashing past Norman for his first ever goal for Bamber Bridge.

For some inexplicable reason the hosts took their foot off the pedal and after a warning shot delivered on 72 minutes when a Duncan Richards free-kick was headed narrowly wide by Darren Norman, they conceded two goals within as many minutes.

Almost out of the blue the visitors pulled a goal back when substitute Cayed Coppull fired across goal and Ged McAllister was in like a flash to touch the ball home from close range on 75 minutes. Two minutes later and to the embarrassment of the home side Rovers drew level. An excellently struck free-kick by full-back David Derefaka found Darren Norman in space and he dutifully delivered the sucker-punch, firing confidently past Brig goalkeeper David Newnes.

The South Ribble side were literally stunned. After dominating proceedings for most of the game, they now suddenly found themselves under the cosh. The Rovers had their tails up and for the first time in the game began to call all the shots but they had run out of time.

In the first period of extra-time near disaster struck for the home side when they lost striker Salmon who was dismissed by referee Mr McGill after collecting a second yellow card. However, rather than subdue Bamber Bridge the set-back seemed to act as a spur.[/b]

Norman once again came to his side’s rescue pulling off a brilliant save to deny Roberts on 101 minutes. The Rovers goal seemed to lead a charmed life when Noon fired a shot past Norman only to see his effort blocked by Derefaka. Brig were not to be denied and on 113 minutes won the tie with a Steven Brown special.

Brig won a free-kick twenty yards from goal and Brown sent in an exercet which the indomitable Norman could do little about on this occasion much to the delight of the meagre Irongate crowd.

Bamber Bridge: Newnes, Mahoney, Archer, Melling (Campbell 101mins), Fleming, Fletcher (Savigar 59mins), S Brown, Roberts, Spencer (Noon 65mins), Salmon, Ince.

Attendance: 70

Well done the bridge and well done Salmon but oj dear to the card!!!

Breaking News

Just heared that Bamber Bridge manager Andy Whittiker has resigned this comes after Bamber Bridge lost 3-0 twice on the trot but the last game against Chorley who were 2nd from bottom of the league and Brigs local rivals.

Warrington Town 3 Bamber Bridge 0

NPL 1st Division
23rd December 2006

By Dave Rowland

Bamber Bridge’s recent run of success came to an abrupt halt at lowly Warrington Town on Saturday with this disappointing 0-3 defeat. The out-of-sorts South Ribble side struggled from the very start on a bumpy surface which was never going to facilitate their usual intricate passing style of football. The most remarkable feature of the first 45 minutes was its total lack of meaningful incident, whilst the second period only brought misery for the travelling contingent as their hosts comfortably brushed them aside for three easy points. Quite simply Brig were never at the races and a double strike in the second-half by Graeme Mitchell, who has claimed four goals in Town’s last two games, and a third strike late on by former Chorley man John Bluck, was enough to sink the Irongate men out of sight.

Eleven days had past since Bamber Bridge kicked a ball in anger due to the postponement of their game against Harrogate Railway Athletic at Irongate on the previous Saturday owing to a waterlogged pitch. Therefore, they eagerly opened their Christmas programme at Cantilever Park looking for their fifth consecutive win after a recent run of improved form. Perennial strugglers Warrington Town, who won 3-0 at home against Colwyn Bay during the week, their first success in their last nine league and cup outings, were desperate for the points to lift them away from the chasing relegation pack.

Brig manager Andy Whittaker made several changes to his winning Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy line-up against Atherton Laburnum Rovers on the 12th December. Danny Mahoney moved back into midfield replacing the injured Paul Roberts and Jamie Squires returned to the defence following a one match ban. Mark Edmeads came in to midfield replacing the suspended Mike Fletcher and Karl Noon lead the line instead of Neil Spencer who had reported sick during the morning. Alex Porter returned from a three match ban and took his place on the left replacing Tom Ince who was named as one of the substitutes.

Brig opened in lively fashion and forced a number of early corners but failed to create any significant opportunities. Ryan Salmon came close on 15 minutes shooting narrowly wide after an intelligent cross by Steven Brown had opened a breech in the Town defence.

The game was developing into a scrappy affair with passes going astray with neither side looking capable of finding any form of fluency or rhythm. The pitch, which looked as though it had not been rolled in days, caused both sets of players some difficulty with the ball bobbling around on the uneven surface.

However, on 20 minutes livewire striker Graeme Mitchell, one of two brothers in the Warrington front line, came desperately close when Jamie Squires nipped in to nick the ball from his toes as the he moved in to finish off a defence splitting through-ball by David Tickle.

Five minutes later Brig’s Alex Porter saw his power-drive from the left palmed over by Town goalkeeper Karl Wills following a fine cross-field pass by Brown.

With half-time beckoning Phil Mitchell came close twice for the hosts. After firing over the crossbar from a Karl Robinson cross he lashed in a superbly struck effort on 44 minutes but Brig goalkeeper David Newnes was equal to the task and saved at full stretch.

The visitors opened the second-half with a flurry and Mark Edmeads fired over after the Town defence had failed to deal adequately with a Porter corner-kick from the right.

However, the homesters got their noses in front on 51 minutes when Tickle split the visiting defence with a simple ball across the edge of the penalty box and Graeme Mitchell was in like a flash to lob over the stranded Newnes.

Bamber Bridge were rocked on their heels but responded quickly. A brilliantly executed long through-ball by Squires set Porter on his way to goal but the wingman was desperately unlucky when, after rounding Wills, he was unable to get enough power on his shot and saw the effort clawed from the line by a defender.

Brig were struggling to penetrate the well marshalled Town defence but nearly did so on 65 minutes when Edmeads saw his fine effort deflected for a corner.

At the other end Graeme Mitchell put in Kevin Towey but Allan Fleming came to the visitors rescue to clear the wingers effort off the goal-line. However, the game was all over bar the shouting on 73 minutes when Warrington increased their lead.

Towey found space for himself down the left and his resultant cross was gleefully tucked home by the lurking Graeme Mitchell with the Brig defence in tatters.

Town put icing on their Christmas cake in the 80th minute with a third goal when scorer Mitchell turned provider.

He placed a pass invitingly across the edge of the Brig penalty area and the inrushing former Chorley man John Bluck, who had just come on as a 76th minute substitute, rifled home in fine style much to the delight of the home support in a modest crowd of 123.

Brig went in search of a consolation but were denied when a worthy effort by George Melling was kept out by Wills.

At the other end Newnes prevented Warrington from clinching a fourth goal on 85 minutes when saving a Chris Bermingham pile-driver at full stretch.

As Warrington celebrated an early Christmas present Brig returned home to lick their wounds on a day when they failed to meet the challenge against moderate opponents after a thoroughly lacklustue display.

Bamber Bridge: Newnes, Fleming, Archer, Squires, Melling, Edmeads, S Brown (Ince 60mins), Mahoney, Noon (Campbell 74mins), Salmon, Porter. unused sub : Myers

Attendance: 123

Oh dear, all going tits up now!

Goole AFC 2 Bamber Bridge 2

NPL First Division
30 December 2006

By Joe Marchant

A spirited second-half comeback by Bamber Bridge salvaged a point at Goole after going in at the interval two goals down.

Stability was needed after a traumatic week at Irongate. The Boxing Day shambles against Chorley and the subsequent resignation of manager Andy Whittaker was followed by the transfer of forward Karl Noon to Marine and the retirement? of recent signing Jeff Underwood after just two games for Brig.

Caretaker manager Phil Entwistle made four changes from the side that began the Chorley game. Out went Noon and Underwood whilst Ryan Salmon and Tom Ince dropped to the bench. In came Rob Myers, George Melling, Mark Edmeads and Neil Spencer. The side lined up in an unfamiliar 5-3-2 formation with a wingless midfield. There was a first league call-up for young reserve Stuart Horn on the bench.

Whilst Brig's two festive games had been pointless, Goole had mixed fortunes in their two games. Losing 0-5 at home to Cammell Laird in the first game was followed by a 3-1 win at Brigg Town on Boxing Day. Goole were five places and six points better off than Brig going into this game.

With a grey sky, stiff cold wind and steady drizzle at kick-off, the Victoria Pleasure Grounds were anything but.

The opening ten minutes were fairly low key as both sides came to terms with the treacherous pitch. Brig almost went ahead on 11 minutes. An Alex Porter corner caused chaos in the home defence and amid the mayhem of the melee, Melling might have found the net but watched in agony as his effort was scrambled clear.

After this brief flurry of excitement, the game settled into a tedious period where the stifling Goole offside trap coupled with Brig's inability to find a way round it, led to numerous stoppages.

Porter went down the left, cut inside and shot only for Vikings keeper Chris Hill to save low down.

The five man visiting defence didn't look particularly comfortable and was caught out on 20 minutes when Andy Jackson sent Duncan Bray away down the wing, his ball inside found Andy Parton who should have done better than shoot wide at the near post.

Almost immediately the Brig goal came under threat again after Craig Robinson's ball from the back left Jackson to shoot across goal and the ball be deflected for a corner.

Goole remained on the offensive and after Jackson found an opening, a long range shot by James McDaid took a deflection off Edmeads for a corner.

The Vikings took the lead on 33 minutes after a foul by James Archer a couple of feet outside the box. Parton's free-kick was touched in at the near post by DUNCAN BRAY. Not the best goal to concede with a five-man defence.

Bray played the ball over the top of the Brig defence for Parton to run on, however keeper David Newnes was alert to rush out and boot clear.

Allan Fleming then saved Brig by clearing a Goole corner off the line.

Goole doubled their lead just before the interval. McDaid's long cross to the far post found Bray who did very well to get the ball back inside to ANDY JACKSON who swivelled smartly and shot past Newnes into the far corner.

After such an insipid first half from Brig it looked as if the pre-match pie would be the highlight of the day. A home-made meat pie with big, tender lumps of steak and nice pastry. Yum.

Whatever was said in the privacy of the Brig dressing room at the interval certainly worked. Two changes were made as Ince and Salmon replaced Myers and the injured Mike Fletcher. The formation reverted to the familiar 4-4-2.

The defence still had some hairy moments though and an error allowed Brad Hill to head on for Parton to poke his shot wide of the near post.

The introduction of the pacy substitutes caused problems for Goole and the pride, passion and commitment lacking in the Boxing Day debacle returned as Brig took the game to their hosts.

Salmon went through the middle and knocked it wide left to Ince whose cross/shot was punched off the line by Hill.

On 56 minutes Goole almost killed the game off. A through ball put Hill clear, Newnes dashed out to tackle him and the ball fell kindly to Bray whose attempt to find the empty net was thwarted by Archer.

A couple of minutes later McDaid ran through from midfield but shot wide of the near post.

Brig pulled a goal back on 63 minutes when NEIL SPENCER bustled in the box and shot home. The immediate build-up to the goal was obstructed by an inconsiderately placed couple of supporting pillars in the stand.

The visitors were enjoying their best spell of the match and Salmon broke through only for Hill to save.

Danny Mahoney was next to come close as his effort from the left side of the box took a slight deflection and narrowly missed the angle of post and bar.

Goole had a couple of half chances through Parton and McDaid but both shots went wide.

Brig equalised on 78 minutes. A build-up involving Ince and Alex Porter led to Goole clearing the ball as far as DANNY MAHONEY twenty-five yards out and he drilled his shot into the net giving Hill no chance.

Brig were pouring forward and with four minutes to go, Ince and Salmon combined to give Spencer the opportunity to turn and shoot with his 'wrong' foot and Hill saved.

In an entertaining finish home sub Steve Rollinson ran through and unleashed a quick shot that flew past the near post.

Final action saw Spencer put Ince free down the left and his cross was hacked clear by a defender.

In the end Brig were unlucky not to bring all three points back to Irongate, but after recent horrors this was a welcome point and a decent second-half showing.

Bamber Bridge: David Newnes, Rob Myers (Ryan Salmon 46), Allan Fleming, Jamie Squires, George Melling, Mike Fletcher (Tom Ince 46), Mark Edmeads, Danny Mahoney, Neil Spencer, Alex Porter, James Archer. Sub not used: Stuart Horn

Attendance: 267

Bamber Bridge 4 Skelmersdale United 1

NPL First Division
1 January 2007

By Joe Marchant

The Brig revival under caretaker manager Phil Entwistle continues to gather momentum after seeing off first footers Skelmersdale United in a keenly fought Lancashire derby at Irongate.

The visitors began the game two places and one point better off than the hosts having played four games less. Whilst Brig were drawing at Goole on Saturday, Skem's home match against Harrogate Railway Athletic was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Unlike Brig, Skem were victorious on Boxing Day having beaten Warrington Town 3-1 at the Ashley Travel Stadium.

The Brig side showed two enforced changes from the side that started at Goole. Injury victims Jamie Squires and Mike Fletcher were replaced by Tom Ince and Ryan Salmon as Brig lined-up in a more familiar 4-4-2 formation. Alex Porter wore the captain's armband in the absence of Squires. Three youngsters were on the bench. Neither Stuart Horn nor Chris Gallagher had made their first team bow in competitive action.

An early misplaced pass let in Craig Noone but his lofted attempt was safely collected by keeper David Newnes who was kept busy shortly afterwards cutting out a left wing cross from John Cass.

Following a foul on himself, Danny Mahoney had Brig's first serious attempt in the eighth minute but his 30-yard free-kick was just the wrong side of the far post.

[b]Brig took the lead after 11 minutes. Ince was fouled a couple of yards outside the box and ALEX PORTER curled a wonderful free-kick over the wall and into the bottom right corner of the net.

Worrying moments for Brig as Allan Fleming needed treatment for a head knock but he was able to resume.

Brig put together a good move in the sixteenth minute when Ince in midfield fed the ball out wide right to Salmon and his cross was controlled by Porter for Neil Spencer to have a shot that took a deflection for a corner.

Skem tried a short corner routine in the 21st minute that almost paid off. Mark Byrne exchanged passes with Noone and fired his shot wide of the near post.

Brig doubled their lead on the half hour with a superb strike. Salmon won a throw almost level with the Skem penalty area. James Archer's throw found ALEX PORTER on the touchline who belted a shot straight into the top corner at the far post giving visiting keeper Tim McCormick no chance as the ball seared past him. Had it been scored in the Premiership - it would be screened every five minutes and Andy Gray's head would be spinning like a plate on top of a stick as he raved in awe over it.

The game took a feisty turn following a Skelmersdale stamp on Rob Myers. The villain was fortunate to remain on the pitch. Thankfully tempers cooled shortly afterwards.

Brig were enjoying the lion's share of the play and almost extended their lead in the 35th minute. A Porter corner was flicked on by Spencer and Mahoney's overhead kick unluckily went straight to McCormick.

Less than a minute later Ince put Spencer through one-on-one against McCormick who beat out the striker's shot. The rebound fell to Ince whose attempted lob hit Spencer and looped harmlessly to the relieved keeper.

The first half ended with Brig still on the attack and Salmon shot into the side netting after the ball broke kindly to him in the area. Ince then curled a shot after Spencer created the opening but McCormick pulled off a good save to deny the young Brig winger.

Neither side made any changes and it was Skem who had the better of the exchanges as the second half got underway. They put Brig under some sustained pressure without actually creating any clearcut opportunities. It was all hands to the pump and the new found spirit of this Brig side shone through. Some inspired defending and a little bit of luck with a couple of sliced clearances kept the visitors at bay.

On the hour mark Ince lifted a high ball over for Salmon to run onto but McCormick came dashing out and booted it to safety.

Matty Jones tried his luck from distance and his effort dipped just over the bar.

McCormick's long goal-kick went straight to Noone wide right, he cut in and Newnes collected low down by his near post.

Skelmersdale took a gamble on 67 minutes and made a triple substitution.

Brig enjoyed a major slice of good fortune after a calamitous free-kick went wrong and Skem broke at speed through Noone. He released substitute Carl Osman who failed to take advantage of the opportunity.

Salmon surged past Jones and made his way into the penalty area, sidestepped a couple of defenders but agonisingly sent his shot past the far post.

George Melling saved Brig with a fine interception after Noone who was having a lively second half crossed for Ian Price to head to Adam Birchall. Melling's intervention came at the expense of a corner.

Skem pulled the goal back they deserved on 75 minutes. Noone's cross was headed home by CARL OSMAN whose brother Leon found the net for Everton against Manchester City a couple of hours earlier.

Brig regained their two goal advantage two minutes later. McCormick's goal-kick was firmly headed back upfield by Fleming. Spencer's presence on the edge of the box unsettled the Skem defence and his touch allowed RYAN SALMON a shot past the keeper.

Horn came on to make his debut replacing the injured Archer after 80 minutes.

Brig's fourth came after 82 minutes following a handball by Mike Douglas some 25 yards out left of centre. ALEX PORTER stepped up to whip the ball low into the far corner to complete his hat-trick.[/b]

Gallagher also made his debut as he took over from Mahoney on 88 minutes.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Skem enjoyed the better of the second half until Brig netted the third. A good team display where everyone contributed in some way, but the night belonged to the hat-trick hero Alex Porter. Brig subsequently leapfrogged Skem and rose to the dizzy heights of 15th place.

Bamber Bridge: David Newnes, Rob Myers, James Archer (Stuart Horn 80), Allan Fleming, George Melling, Mark Edmeads, Tom Ince, Danny Mahoney (Chris Gallagher 8, Neil Spencer, Ryan Salmon, Alex Porter. Sub not used: Dave Campbell

Attendance: 173

Bamber Bridge 2 Witton Albion 3

NPL Challenge Cup
3rd Round

By Dave Rowland

Witton Albion proved too stiff an opposition for the First Division side in this thrilling and evenly fought Third Round League Challenge Cup tie, grabbing the winner in the closing minutes of the game to break the hearts of their gallant hosts. Although looking the stronger of the two sides, Albion could not relax for a minute as Bamber Bridge threatened throughout. With four debutants in their line-up the Lancashire side fought back from two goals down early in the game to regain parity just before the break to set up an intriguing second half battle.

This tie had all the makings of a thriller with in-form Premier Division side Witton Albion hoping to claim a place in the 4th Round at the expense of their First Division hosts. The Cheshire side arrived at Irongate on a high after completely demolishing Clitheroe 8-1 in the previous round of the competition. On the other hand Bamber Bridge were hoping to extend a good run which has seen the South Ribble side lose just two of their previous eight league and cup games. They were also looking to remain undefeated since Phil Entwistle took charge of first team affairs during Christmas week following the departure of manager Andy Whittaker.

The Brig line-up included four debutants. Full-back Stuart Horn made his first start replacing the injured James Archer, whilst former Clitheroe striker Ian Johnson was preferred to lead the line over Niel Spencer who was named as one of the substitutes. Loan signings from Morecambe Jon Smith and Paul Lloyd took their places in midfield instead of the injured Danny Mahoney and Tom Ince who was named as a sub.

The pitch was sticky following a continuous downpour during the morning and the visitors came out of the blocks first with a storming opening which produced two goals within the first 15 minutes.

After only three minutes of play a sweeping Alex Brown free-kick caused all sorts of problems for the Brig defence and Adam Warlow was first to react touching the ball home from close range.

Before the home side had time to get their act together they found themselves two goals down. A superb through ball from distance by Brown completely opened up the home defence and Carl Frost ran on to fire confidently past the stranded David Newnes in the Bamber Bridge goal.

Despite this devastating set-back and to their credit the First Division side refused to roll over and die. Alex Porter and Ryan Salmon were constantly causing problems at the back for Albion with some telling runs. After Brig central defender Allan Fleming saw his header cleared from the goal line the home team struck back with a vengeance scoring twice in as many minutes to completely turn the game on it‘s head.

In the 35th minute Albion full-back Darren Hockenhull brought Alex Porter down inside the penalty area and the flying wingman dusted himself down before dispatching the resultant spot-kick with confidence beyond goalkeeper Jon Kennedy‘s despairing dive for his 15th goal of the season. Two minutes later and the Lancastrians were back on level terms when Porter turned provider when his neat cross from the left found Salmon in space and the young Brig striker slotted the ball past Kennedy as the keeper came out to narrow the angle.

The second half was an evenly balanced game with both sides going close on several occasions although the visitors had the edge. Indeed, it was turning out to be an enthralling cup-tie.

Lively Albion wingman Robb Lloyd fired in a corner on 65 minutes and Tony Barras was unlucky to see his effort touched round the post for a corner by the Brig defence. From the resultant flag kick Albion’s man-of-the-match Shaun Miller forced a brilliant save out of Newnes.

At the other end Porter and Salmon continued to pull the Albion defence apart with some penetrating play and Porter came ever so close after 70 minutes when he fired a shot just over the crossbar following an Edmeads free-kick.

The Premier Division side pushed forward at every opportunity and were well served by Lloyd and the energetic Miller who probed the home defence effectively. However, Brig remained a constant threat and the Albion rearguard were having to work overtime to quell the menace posed by Porter and Salmon.

A Lloyd free-kick was headed onto a post by veteran Brian Pritchard on 75 minutes as the visitors stepped up a gear.

They made their superiority count just before full-time with Pritchard again involved. He ran on to a defence splitting through-ball from midfield before setting up Warlow who fired home the winner much to the relief and delight of the away following.

It had been a close run thing and Albion go into the Fourth Round draw but it could so easily have been Bamber Bridge through to the next stage of the competition and they can justifiably feel that they had been unlucky.

Bamber Bridge: Newnes, Myers, Horn, Fleming, Melling, Edmeads, Lloyd (Ince 70mins), Smith, Johnson (Spencer 82mins), Salmon, Porter. unused sub: Gallagher.

Attendance: 176

Gresley Rovers 1 Bamber Bridge 2

NPL 1st Division
13th January 2007

By Dave Rowland

Bamber Bridge completed the league-double over their Church Gresley hosts following a goal apiece from deadly duo, Alex Porter and Ryan Salmon, who have now collected 30 goals between them so far this season. They had to come from a goal behind, scored immediately after the interval, to achieve their second success against the ‘Moatmen’ after having won 4-1 at Irongate at the end of August. It was Brigs second league-double this term and their third away win of the season.

Brig were looking to get back on track following their unlucky defeat at home to Premier Division high flyers Witton Albion in the League Challenge Cup last weekend. Their South Derbyshire hosts, Gresley Rovers, needed the points to stay in touch with the clubs immediately above them in the play-off places in the First Division. The ‘Moatmen,’ who have not kicked a ball since New Years Day, were also looking to extend their impressive ten match unbeaten run in the league and cup, a run that stretches right back to the beginning of November.

Manager Phil Entwistle made just two changes to his line-up from the game against Witton Albion. Danny Mahoney returned after injury replacing young Mark Edmeads in mid-field and Neil Spencer was preferred to Ian Johnson at centre-forward, Johnson taking his place on the bench. Gresley Rovers were lamenting the loss of their leading marksman Aaron O’Connor who had been transferred to Conference side Greys Athletic the week before.

In a bright opening the visitors were first to show when, after 7 minutes, Mahoney collected a Porter throw and fired in a well directed shot which Rovers goalkeeper Tom Whittle did well to tip around the post with a low dive. Then shortly afterwards a promising link-up between Paul Lloyd and Ryan Salmon was frustratingly thwarted by a linesman’s off-side flag.

The visitors defence looked comfortable early on with central defenders George Melling and Allan Fleming confidently snuffing out the threat posed by Rovers main striker Paul Edwards. The home side looked a little rusty, not having been in action for over two weeks, but mid-fielders Carl Slater and Shaun Ridgway kept things going for the ‘Moatmen’ with some neat approach play.

Mahoney was unlucky with a twenty-yard free-kick after 35 minutes which just cleared the Rovers crossbar with Whittle discomforted.

Brig escaped Rovers appeals for a penalty five minutes later when full-back Stuart Horn appeared to block a snapshot by Edwards with his outstretched arms. However, besides this the homesters were struggling to penetrate a resolute Brig defence despite some purposeful forays.

As half-time approached Lloyd forced his way through a static Rovers defence but he let himself down with a poor finish which flashed high and wide when his tenacity and opportunism had deserved a more fruitful outcome.

Whilst the first 45 minutes had produced some excellent football by both sides, overall it had lacked incident. However, all that was to change immediately on the resumption of play when Rovers took everyone by surprise with a goal after just thirteen seconds.

With their first attack of the second-half Rovers wingman Mark Smith caught the Bamber Bridge defence flat-footed with a simple through-ball which found Edwards in space and from close in the burley striker buried the chance giving Newnes no hope of making a save.

The visitors responded immediately and Lloyd brought a brilliant save out of Whittle on 49 minutes after Salmon had set up the chance with a fine probing run and pass.

At the other end Horn was again fortunate to escape vigorous appeals for a penalty when appearing to block a Smith cross with his arms. However, Gresley’s tails were up, and the goal galvanised them into a flurry of activity. Indeed, they went in search of increasing their lead with Smith and Tom Groves prominent, but Brig held their nerve.

After clawing their way back into the game with some enterprising football the South Ribble side deservedly equalised in the 64th minute.

A sweeping move instigated by Mahoney and Jon Smith concluded with Salmon bearing down on goal. The young strikers fierce drive was expertly parried away by the diving Whittle but Porter was following up and rammed the rebound home before the Rovers keeper could recover.

Now it was Brigs turn to turn on the style and they almost got their noses in front when loan signing Smith found his Morecambe compatriot Lloyd in space but the young midfielder snatched at the chance and his effort flew harmlessly over Whittles goal.

Rovers showed that they were still a threat and a Groves pile-driver was bravely headed to safety by Fleming.

However, there was now no stopping Brig. A long sweeping pass from defence by Melling on 77 minutes found Porter free out on the left. The flying winger set off on one of his mazy runs and Salmon smartly headed home the resultant cross at the near post despite the attention of a couple of defenders on the goal-line. A classic match winner!

Things got infinitely worse for the ‘Moatmen’ on 85 minutes when Barry Woolley was sent off by referee Mr Smith for a second book-able offence when he was adjudged to have taken a dive in the Brig penalty area.

Brig substitute Ian Johnson was unfortunate to have a goal disallowed for off-side just before the final whistle. Despite this minor irritation the away following happily embarked on the long trip home delighted that their teams spirited display had yielded all three points.

Bamber Bridge: Newnes, Myers, Horn, Fleming, Melling, Smith, Lloyd (Ince 89 mins), Mahoney, Spencer (Johnson 72 mins), Salmon, Porter. unused sub : Fletcher.

Attendance: 268

Well done the Bridge and Salmon on the scoresheet again, I defo think he will be picked up soon ste

A view from the groundhopper. How old is Ryan Salmon??

http://stickypalms.blogspot.com/

Yeah had a read of that mate it's a good un

Ryan turned 20 yesterday

Bamber Bridge 1 Burscough 3

Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
3rd Round

16th January 2007

By Dave Rowland

Burscough coasted through to the Semi-Final of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy at the expense of a much weakened Bamber Bridge side with a comfortable 3-1 at Irongate. The Linnets had the game sown up by half-time with all their three goals coming in the opening 30 minutes of the game. Bamber Bridge with their resources stretched to the limit, gave a good account of themselves despite the obvious gulf in class between the two sides and came more into the game during the second-half.

This tie had been delayed for seven days due to the Irongate Ground falling victim to the heavy rain last Tuesday. Bamber Bridge were hoping to continue the fine form which has seen the club lose just one game since Phil Entwistle took over the managerial reigns on New-Years-Day having won two and drawn one of the four games played. They were also keen to carry over the fine form which saw them successful at Gresley Rovers on Saturday.

The high-flying Linnets, currently placed fourth in the Premier Division table, were looking for a Semi-Final spot in the competition and must have felt confident of a good result following their superb win over their Conference neighbours Southport in the Second Round. Southport, led by current Burscough boss Liam Watson, won the competition last season when beating Lancaster City in the Final at the County Ground. Burscough without a game on Saturday, were on a good run having won five and drawn one of their last six outings in league and cup.

Brig boss Phil Entwistle was forced to make four changes to his winning line-up at the weekend with Paul Lloyd and Jon Smith cup-tied and Allan Fleming and Ryan Salmon suffering from a bout of food poisoning. Chris Gallagher stepped up from the Lancashire League side to make his debut in the heart of the defence replacing Fleming whilst in mid-field Mike Fletcher and Tom Ince replaced Lloyd and Smith. Jimmy King was brought out of retirement to replace Salmon.

The visitors got into their stride first and went ahead in the 8th minute when Ciaran Kileeny found Dave Roberts in space and the striker tucked his shot past Brig goalkeeper David Newnes from close in. There was more than a hint of off-side about the goal but it was allowed to stand despite the home players justifiable protestations.

However, Burscough were streets ahead of their gallant First Division opponents and played with great authority. A Neil Fitzhenry blockbuster zipped past Newnes left hand post after 15 minutes and three minutes later the visitors were two goals to the good.

A Robbie Booth corner-kick was headed home at the near post by full-back Michael Tomlinson and you felt that the game was already beyond Bamber Bridge even at this early stage.

Whilst Brig chased shadows the Linnets put together some fine one-touch combinations of real quality as they moved freely about the park. An enterprising run from deep in midfield by Booth took him through the Brig defence but he let himself down with a woeful finish that lacked power.

Brig were now being ripped apart and almost fell further behind when Roberts fired agonisingly wide after another sweeping Burscough move.

However, at the other end, a mistake by Ryan Bowen let in Alex Porter on the right of goal but Linnets goalkeeper Tony McMillan was quick off his line to deny Brig’s leading marksman. It was the nearest that the home side came to scoring in the first-half of the game.

Just to emphasise their superiority the Linnets ran in a third on 26 minutes and it was a real strike of quality.

After a neat combination of passes out on the left Burscough captain Dominic Morley sent in a pin-point cross from distance and Roberts glanced a fine header beyond the reach of Newnes and into the far corner of the net.

As half-time approached Danny Mahoney tried to find Tom Ince at the back post with a long raking pass but McMillan quickly closed the Brig wingman down and the chance was gone.

To their credit the South Ribble side came out with great determination after the interval and Porter came close on 53 minutes powering a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar.

The game was more evenly balanced at this stage with Burscough appearing to have taken their foot off the pedal. The visitors still remained dangerous with winger Matty McGinn causing problems for the Brig defence with some probing runs down the left. At the back George Melling was outstanding for the home side and Tom Ince came close on 70 minutes after an enterprising move.

Former Burscough man Newnes was called upon to make a fine save with ten minutes left on the clock when acrobatically keeping out a McGinn free-kick taken from the edge of the penalty box.

Brig’s honest endeavour finally paid off with a deserved consolation goal in the 89th minute. Substitute Danny Yongo did the spade work and his pass found Edmeads on the edge of the Burscough 18-yard line. The young midfielder neatly set up Neil Spencer and the veteran striker ran on to make no mistake firing past the advancing McMillan.

Bamber Bridge: Newnes, Myers, Horn, Gallagher, Melling, Fletcher (Yongo 77mins), Ince, Mahoney (Edmeads 56mins), Spencer, Porter, King (Campbell 63mins)

Attendance: 153

Unlucky Bridge, Happy Belated Birthday Ryan

Rossendale United 0 Bamber Bridge 1

NPL 1st Division
20th January 2007

BY Dave Rowland

A second-half goal of consummate quality by Ryan Salmon, his 14th strike of the season and his 4th in the last five games, was enough to see Bamber Bridge overcome promotion hopefuls Rossendale United in this wind swept Lancashire derby at Dark Lane on Saturday. What made this latest triumph all the more impressive was the fact that Brig achieved their success with two debutants in the side. It was also the South Ribble sides third league double of the season and their fourth success on foreign soil. This was an eye-catching display full of skill and passion and the visitors dominated proceedings from start to finish. Rossendale were forced to play out the second period with ten men when Phil Edghill was sent off just before half-time. Gale force winds which lashed the Rossendale Valley all afternoon failed to impair, what turned out to be, an excellent game of football.

Bamber Bridge were hoping to extend their good run in the league which has seen the South Ribble club win four and draw one of their last seven games in the First Division. They were also keen to get back on track following their elimination from the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy during the week against their Premier Division neighbours Burscough. Rossendale United were looking for the points in their quest for a place in the play-offs and to return to winning ways following their narrow 0-1 defeat at high flying Eastwood Town last weekend. This reverse brought to an end an excellent run which had seen the Stags lose only one of their previous eight outings in the First Division.

Brig boss Phil Entwistle made six changes to the line-up which faced Burscough at Irongate on the previous Tuesday evening. New signings full-back Jamie Nay from Clitheroe replaced Robin Myers and former Magpie Steve Williams was named in the centre of defence in preference to youngster Chris Gallagher. Allan Fleming returned following a bout of food poisoning replacing Stuart Horn at left-back and loan players Paul Lloyd and Jon Smith, from Morecambe, were preferred in mid-field to Tom Ince and Mike Fletcher. Ryan Salmon, who also missed the Burscough game due to sickness, replaced Jimmy King in the front line.

The game kicked off in dreadful conditions with high winds unmercifully whipping across the Dark Lane enclosure. Any thought that the fierce elements would ruin the game were soon dispelled when both sides got down to playing some attractive football.

Brig were soon into their stride with two early efforts. Neil Spencer shot wide of the target after Lloyd had found him in space in the opening minutes and then Lloyd himself came close after the Rossy defence had failed to deal with a Mahoney corner-kick on the left.

The home side responded immediately and Phil Eastwood poked a shot narrowly wide from close range following a Mark Drew corner. United full-back James Heywood attempted a speculative shot from fully 30 yards out and the wind caught the ball and carried it menacingly towards Newnes left hand post, but the Brig goalkeeper managed to scramble across his goal and touch the ball around for a corner.

Brig came inches away from an opener on 25 minutes when Danny Mahoney robbed Phil Edghill in midfield and set up Alex Porter. Brigs leading marksman saw his effort graze the Rossendale crossbar.

Drew was equally unlucky with a carbon copy effort for Rossy at the other end and the wind came to the visitors assistance a few minutes later when a cross zipped past both Euan Percell and Robbie Smith as both lined up in anticipation of a goal.

Brig were making some forceful runs at the home defence as the visitors began to take control. The South Ribble men looked more comfortable on the ball and the defence was well on top of their game with both Williams and Melling commanding down the centre.

Just before the interval the Stags were reduced to ten men when referee Mr Dowd dismissed Phil Edghill for a foul on Mahoney. He received a straight red card for the offence but had also been booked earlier in the game. Despite this incident, the game was fought throughout in the right spirit.

Rossy opened the brighter after the break with a flurry of raids but these failed to penetrate a resolute defence.

Brigs man-of-the-match Paul Lloyd shot over from distance when United got themselves in a bit of a tangle and the visitors began to turn the screw against the ten men.

Lloyd was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for off-side on 58 minutes following fine work by Porter and Mahoney but you felt it was only a matter of time. After further efforts by Lloyd and Salmon had gone close the visitors deservedly got their noses in front in the 72nd minute.

A combination of one-to-one passes between new pair Williams and Nay led to the former Chorley man sending in a fine sweeping cross from wide out on the right. Salmon ran across the defence to send in a fiercely powerful header from just inside the penalty box and the ball curled beyond the reach of goalkeeper Danny Caldwell and smacked high into the back of the net. It was a truly remarkable goal of real quality and one that will be long remembered by the travelling contingent. Brig were now on fire and were unlucky not to increase their lead with further efforts from Salmon and Spencer.

Stags skipper Bill Robertson handled the ball inside the box on 84 minutes but Caldwell saved the resultant spot-kick from Porter. However, Brig continued to pepper the home goal and Lloyd was desperately unlucky