Bamber Bridge Vets 6 - 2 Lostock St Gerard's Vets

The Vets of Brig and Gerard's served up a "traditional" derby style game last Friday under the lights at Witton Park.

With both teams going in to the game in good form, on paper, it was set to be an exciting fixture.

The previous good form, along with a decent line-up to pick from, had Brig Vets manager Singy feeling confident. This was dented in the run-up to kick off when the usual phone calls started to come in giving excuses.

First to strike himself off the the list was 'Snowy' who was on call for work. An appropriate excuse, but better diary management is expected from the Vets squad. Singy accepted the excuse, but commented after the game "I hope he [Snowy] gets a diary in the work Secret Santa this year. How he only knew he had to work at 6:30pm on the day of game is beyond me".

Next up on the "no show" list was Craig Banks, due to a "glass knee". A quick survey in the dressing room confirmed that that was actually code for "he just didn't fancy it".

All was not lost. Former Brig first team captain Matt Lawlor returned for the Vets, after impressing in his Vets debut against Preston North End Legends. Joining him in what Singy described at the "best back five I've seen at Vets level" was keeper Lee Dovey, returning to the mighty Brig after a brief flirtation with Longride Town. (They stray, but they alway come back!)

As expected, from the minute the ball was kicked, it was a true full-blooded derby encounter, both teams giving it their all. Well as much as they can at their age!

A casual observer, who preferred to remain nameless, commented "there were more handbags than Squires dance floor circa 1992". It's quite telling that they didn't comment of the quality of football on display!

Brig held the game well and ran out 6 - 2 winners. An easy game for the lads, and they probably coasted a bit.

Lee Dovey - 8
Solid debut, made some real good saves when needed, although an anonymous Scott on the sidelines said he should have kept hold of them more.

Jamie Nay - 7
A bundle of energy down the right let down by his over-hit crossing. We’ll let him off though as his football team has just lost their manager after realising they're crap.

James Clegg - 8
Relentless down the left, probably played as high up the pitch as we’ve ever seen but was a good outlet

Phil Doughty - 7
Great to have him back, looked like he’s never been away. (Always smells nice too).

Matt Lawlor - 7
Stepped in last minute due to glass knee. Formed a great pairing at the back.

Neil Crowe - 7
The lynchpin in midfield, worked well with Leonaldinio. Also managed to refrain from giving constructive cristism to his team mates during the game this time.

Leonaldinio Reid - 7
Great strike for his goal and was gave a couple of theirs the run around

Mitch Newsome - 8
Four goals on the night, probably playing his best football of his life!

Chris Marlow - 7
Never stops running, constant threat all night. There's only one Goose!

Phil Eastwood - 5
Not his best night , but hindered with injury. Had to go off early after pulling up

Simon Carey - 6
He scored a Lineker style tap in, and of course celebrated it like he's just scored the winner in the cup final.
Number of mentions of 'The Village' - lost count!

Jon Bolton - 7
Went on early doors, took him a while to find his feet. Not sure if it was because of pace of game or because he usually plays for the opposition.

Simon Woodward, yes you heard it right, Simon Woodward - 7
Back in the fold for first time in a year. Still his moaning self

* Some of the match report may have been embellished for entertainment purposes.
(If you believe these reports are factual, you will also believe that 1970s wrestling was a serious sporting event!)