Bamber Bridge began their run of 4 top of the table matches with a goalless draw against Scarborough Athletic at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Saturday afternoon. No goals, but a thoroughly entertaining encounter between two well-matched sides.

In front of of a boisterous crowd, boosted by a sizeable following from Yorkshire, both teams took a while to settle, the first 15 minutes producing little of note. Scarborough had the bulk of possession in the first half hour without really troubling Lloyd Rigby in the Brig goal. As the half wore on Bamber Bridge started to force their way back into the match and in the 31st minute both Ali Waddecar and Regan Linney saw shots blocked in the Boro penalty area. Two minutes later and a great deep cross from the left by Waddecar was met on the volley at the far post by Linney but it flew over the bar. Then just moments later Adam Dodd was upended in the area and Brig where awarded a penalty. Macauley Wilson stepped up and struck a hard low shot to the keepers left. Taylor in goal for Boro dived full length and got a firm hand on to the ball which flicked it off both the post and bar and out to safety. A magnificent save.

Boro where given a lift by the penalty save and almost took the lead themselves just before half time with a close range effort that cannoned back of the post. Straight to the other end and Adam Roscoe found the home keeper on top form again as he saved his point blank effort.

Half time 0-0

Bamber Bridge started the 2nd half with some urgency, 5 minutes into the half, Regan Linney dribbled his way into the area from the left but great defending stopped him from getting his shot away. Moments later. Brig found the net on 56 minutes, Adam Roscoe forcing the ball home after a scramble but the linesman flag was raised and the goal disallowed for offside. Ali Waddecar was next to be denied by The Boro keeper Taylor, a fine move involving Danny Forbes and Regan Linney, released Ali whose 18 yard ef-fort was pushed around the post for a corner.

With Brig now asking most of the questions, Waddecar was again denied by the superb Taylor, A right wing cross to the far post was headed down by Roscoe for Waddecar to meet on the volley. Taylor at full stretch tipped it over the bar. From the corner the ball was partially cleared and Roscoe again was denied, this time his shot hitting the upright and rebounding to safety.

Brig where now well on top and Lewis Nightingale tried his luck with a rasping 20 yard drive that cleared the crossbar. Brig made their 1st change of the match on 75 minutes, Matt Dudley replacing Adam Roscoe who can be well pleased with his Brig Debut.

Dudley was next to come close for the home side, chasing a long through ball from Forbes, he beat the advancing keeper to the ball but his touch took the ball away from goal and it ran out for a goal kick.

James Boyd replaced Lewis Nightingale on 80 minutes as Brig pressed for the winner. Boro where always dangerous on the break but it was Bamber Bridge doing most of the pressing. Regan Linney, again weaved his way in to the area on 85 minutes but his shot was blocked. Brig forced several corners but Taylor in goal for Boro had the look of a man who was determined not to be beaten. His final save of the afternoon came in injury time has he dived forward to smother another Linney effort.

Full time and a very enjoyable match for the 482 fans in attendance. Brig will count themselves unlucky not to have claimed the 3 points but it was clear to see why Scarborough have been on such a good run. Two fine teams and both should expect to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

Bamber Bridge: Rigby, Wilson, Dodd, Lawlor, (C) Charnock, Potts, Nightingale, (Boyd) Forbes, Waddecar, Roscoe, ( Dudley) Linney

Unused subs: Vasey, Milligan, Marlow

Man of the match (voted for by sponsors Trevor Eccleston and Friends) : Matt Lawlor

Match reporter: Alan Bateson