Bamber Bridge 1 - 2 Mickleover Sports

The last match of the 2018/19 Evostik Premier League season ended in celebration for Saturday’s visitors from Derbyshire. Mickleover Sports required nothing less than 3 points coupled with Marine FC getting zero points at Champions elect Farsley Celtic.

A 2-0 victory for Farsley and the 2-1 win secured by Mickleover on Saturday afternoon signalled wild celebrations as the referee blew the final whistle. Things had looked so different at half time with Brig leading 1-0 and being good value for it. The 2nd half however belonged to the Derbyshire side as they levelled midway through the half before scoring the winner with just 5 minutes remaining.

Bamber Bridge started very well on a cold, wet blustery day, in stark contrast to the Glorious spring weather last weekend that saw Brig gain the points to guarantee safety. Playing towards the clubhouse end in the first half, Regan Linney had the first attempt on goal, following a neat pass from Ali Waddecar. Regan fired a shot across goal but the visiting keeper spread himself to make a fine save, The next chance to Matt Dudley who volley a 15 yard effort just wide following a superb left wing cross from Chris Marlow.

The visitors were offering very little in response as Brig roared forward. Chances came and went before Brig were forced into an early change. Kieran Charnock took a hefty knock and following treatment was replaced by Player Manager Matt Lawlor. With Brig still well on top it came as no surprise when Danny Forbes rose to meet a free kick and power a fine header in to the back of the net to give the home side a deserved lead on 40 minutes.

The second half started in much the same fashion, another fine run in to the area by Regan Linney was foiled by a last ditch tackle. Moments later a terrific burst down the right wing from Joe Booth saw the midfielder square the ball across the area where Matt Dudley appeared to be upended as he shaped to shoot, the ball rolled on to Chris Marlow who’s shot was deflected for a corner. Brig appeals for a penalty where waved away as the referee indicated he had played advantage.

This good fortune for the visitors clearly changed the game as they suddenly regained belief and started to push Brig back. The Lancashire side opted for fresh legs for the remaining 25 minutes as Owen Watkinson and Dom McGiveron came on for the hard working pair of Regan and Goose. The Brig change didn’t however stem the tide of Mickleover attacks and on 73 minutes they gained a valuable lifeline, following a run from the right wing the Sports right back was adjudged to have been tripped on the edge of the penalty area. Brig players and supporters claimed it was outside but the referee pointed to the spot. Shaquille McDonald stepped up and struck an unstoppable shot in to the roof of the net. 1-1

Mickleover, clearly lifted by the goal and aware that Marine were losing at Farsley, poured on the pressure. Twice Brig keeper Lloyd Rigby made superb saves but on 85 minutes, the visitors scored the goal they needed. A free kick into the box wasn’t cleared and Evan Garnett was on hand to smash the ball home to send the visitors into raptures.

Suddenly the direction of the game changed again with Sports desperate to hang on to their precious lead. Brig launched the ball forward in pursuit of an equaliser. The referee signalled 5 added minutes much to the alarm of of the Mickleover fans who nervously bit their finger nails. One last chance came the way of Bamber Bridge, a free kick some 40 out on the left was whipped in but the headed chance fell inches wide of the post.

As the referee blew the final whistle, the visiting players, fans and official celebrated wildly. And rightly so. They had achieved safety and like Brig last weekend, they were determined to savour the moment.

So, a 16th place finish for Bamber Bridge, The players and staff can be rightly satisfied when just 3 short weeks ago, relegation looked more than a distinct possibility. NPL Premier League football will return to The Sir tom Finney Stadium next season. We are already looking forward to it.

Also, massive congratulations to Alistair Waddecar who has claimed joint 1st place for the leading goalscorer in the NPL Premier Division, a remarkable achievement. Well done Ali.

Full Time: Bamber Bridge – 1 Mickleover Sports -2

Bamber Bridge: Roccia, Churchman, Dodd, Charnock (Capt,), Doughty, Forbes, Linney, Booth, Waddecar, Dudley, Marlow

Subs: Lawlor, Spooner, McGiveron, Buchan, Watkinson

Att: 300