Workington Town 2 -1 Bamber Bridge

Having gained 6 points from two hugely encouraging home performances against Grantham Town and Hyde United, Bamber Bridge travelled north to Cumbria confident of another 3 points against a struggling Workington AFC outfit at Borough Park. However, Brig where to return to Lancashire with their tails between their legs having been well beaten.

On a surprisingly mild and bright January afternoon in deepest west Cumbria in the deliciously characterful surroundings of Borough Park, Brig produced arguably their poorest performance of the season going down 2-1 to second from bottom Workington. A result that in truth flattered the visitors.

From the kick off The former Football League outfit looked as if they had the bit between their teeth and forced Brig on to the defensive. It came as no surprise when The Reds took the lead in the 12th minute. Ex Bamber Bridge loanee player, Sam Joel firing home from the edge of the area.

The goal seemed to spark the Lancashire visitors into life and for the next 15 minutes Brig enjoyed their best, and only spell of the match. The equaliser arriving on 17 minutes when recent signing Scott Harries finished off a fine passing move, smashing the ball home from 8 yards. For the next 10 minutes it looked as though Brig were about to take control as they pushed the home side back. The hosts however soon regained control and the game swung the other way with Lloyd Rigby in the Brig goal twice making good saves to keep the scores level. The half ended with Workington well on top.

Any thoughts of Bamber Bridge gaining a foothold in the 2nd half, were dispelled almost from the kick off as The Cumbrian's went on to the offensive. Within seconds of the start Rigby was again at full stretch pushing the ball around the post for a corner. Brig just couldn’t get into the game, the bobbly pitch not helping their normally fluid passing style, but mainly due to the home side completely controlling the game. Adam Dodd had an opportunity on a rare Brig break but as he shaped to shoot the ball hit a divot and his 15 yard shot ballooned way over the bar and out of the ground.

Paul Dawson then saw a downward header from a Brig corner comfortably held by the home keeper but moments later Workington took the lead. A corner from the left seemed to evade everyone until it was headed home at the back post by the unmarked Sam Smith to give the hosts a deserved lead on the balance of play.

Brig this time were unable to respond to going behind as the home side continued to dominate. Lloyd Rigby making two more terrific saves to keep the score at 2-1. Chris Churchman and Lucca Navarro were replaced by Darren McKnight and Regan Linney as the visitors looked to restore parity. With just minutes remaining Brig carved out a great chance to level the scores, a fine passing move saw a low ball whipped across the area, Phil Doughty met it first time 10 yards out, but again the ball took a wicked bobble and Doughty’s effort spooned well over the bar.

That was the final chance for Brig as the home side ended the game as they'd started, pinning their visitors back and striking the bar in the closing seconds.

Full time and a 2-1 defeat for Bamber Bridge who can have no complaints. On the day they were well beaten by a team fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Division

Bamber Bridge: Rigby, Spooner, Dodd, Forbes, Doughty, Dawson, Waddecar (Capt.), Churchman, Dudley, Harries, Navvaro

Subs: Linney, McKnight, Griffith, Wilson, Roccia

Att: 401

Match reporter: Alan Bateson