KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC 2 BRIGG TOWN 2 - EVO-STIK LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH

MATCH REPORT BY BOB TAYLOR

Brigg Town travelled to the Seddon Stadium at Kidsgrove with Liam Dickens, Anthony Bowsley and George Zuerner all returning in midfield, Ryan Paczkowski up front and Danny Buttle back on the left wing. The pitch was in a poor state after heavy rain, cutting up badly and making close control more difficult.

From the kick-off, Grove won a right wing corner kick off Scott Matthews but Rob Zand collected the high cross comfortably. Then after just three minutes of play, Michael Jacklin headed the ball out for a corner kick on the left. It was cleared from the penalty area but fell for  the unmarked CHRIS SMITH to strike a fierce shot into the back of the net from twenty yards out, giving the home team the early initiative. Liam Dickens was cautioned in the next minute by a controversial referee for not retreating from the ball, putting himself under pressure for the rest of the game but he played a significant part in Brigg’s recovery. Brigg’s first threat came down the left wing with Danny Buttle getting the ball across the face of the goal but it was cleared away at the far post. Then Grove created a good chance to increase their lead but a left wing cross was headed wide. Brigg were back on level terms after twenty-two minutes, the goal coming from a free kick mid-way into Grove’s half on the right. The ball was played into the penalty area and MICHAEL JACKLIN got his head on it to steer it down and up  into the top corner of the net. The home team responded with another left wing corner kick falling again at the feet of Chris Smith on the edge of the penalty area but Rob Zand saved his well struck shot. Brigg won four consecutive corner kicks on the right wing but each one was scrambled clear. On the half hour, George Zuerner made a strong run into the penalty area and was brought down from behind, winning a penalty kick. Paul Grimes struck the spot kick well but the goalkeeper saved and then succeeded with another good stop from the follow-up.

Brigg had the advantage of the slight slope of the pitch in their favour for the second half and had more possession but it was the home team who took the lead again after fifty-six minutes. Rob Zand made another fine save from a right wing cross but when the ball was played in again from the right, KARL ESPLEY got up well to head it into the top corner of the goal. Brigg persevered and Jordan Thewlis was introduced as substitute for Danny Buttle, immediately making an impact with some strong attacking runs. With eight minutes remaining, Liam Dickens worked his way to the edge of the penalty area and was brought down in a central position twenty yards from the goal. The defensive wall was set up but LIAM DICKENS found a gap to strike his shot into the corner of the net. Both teams sought a winning goal but the respective defences played well to ensure the points were shared.

Brigg  Town:   Zand, Ashton, Matthews, Bowsley, Hellewell, Jacklin, Zuerner, Dickens, Paczkowski, Grimes,  Buttle; Subs, Thewlis for Buttle (75).

Brigg travel to Whitby on Wednesday evening for a League Cup game and follow this up with a home game against top of the league Leek Town next Saturday afternoon.