Trafford 1 - 1 Bamber Bridge (11/11/17)

Alan Bateson reports as Bamber Bridge secure a point at Trafford to remain top of the league.

Bamber Bridge returned from Shawe View, home of Trafford FC with a single point on Saturday afternoon, when really their performance merited all three.

Following a minutes silence in honour of Remembrance day, Bamber Bridge, playing in red started the match with some style. Only 1 minute had passed when Matt Dudley struck a fine 20 yard shot that home keeper Grant Shenton spectacularly tipped over the bar. Just seconds later and from a Regan Linney cross from the right, Ali Waddecar’s firm header flew just wide of the post.

Trafford responded and on 5 minutes forced a series of corners. From the 3rd, they took the lead, with what looked from the other end of the pitch like a free header that looped over Lloyd Rigby in the Brig goal.

Brig came close to an equaliser in the 11th minute but Ali Waddecar’s free kick from the corner of the 18 yard box was well held by Grant Shenton. Minutes later and Danny Forbes found himself with the ball at his feet in acres of space, he strode forward and from the edge of the box fired in a shot that flew over the bar. Brig where now pushing forward with great purpose and Regan Linney was unlucky to see his effort rebound off the post. Matt Mahoney then attacked a Waddecar corner but his powerful header was just wide of the keepers left hand post.

Brig, by this stage of the game where dominating possession but Trafford looked dangerous on the break as they looked to hit long balls over the Brig back line. The equaliser duly arrived on the half hour. A Waddecar free kick was half cleared and Regan Linney was first to react, smashing a low drive under the keeper.

The remainder of the half saw Bamber Bridge playing some superb passing football but without creating any clear cut chances. Half time and 1-1 with Brig unfortunate not to be in the lead.

The 2nd half seemed to be following a similar pattern, Brig dominant in possession but Trafford always looking lively on the break. On 55 minutes Brad Carsley pick up the ball wide on the left, cut inside, drifted past 2 Trafford defenders before hitting a low shot that Shen-ton saved comfortably. Minutes later and Carsley was again unlucky, Ali Waddecar found space on the right and delivered a deep cross that Carsley met at the back post, his header hitting the side netting.

Clear cut chances where at a premium as the Trafford back line stood strong and firm. Regan Linney tried to find space in the box on 70 minuets but was crowded out before he could get his shot in.

Neil Reynolds made his 1st change on 74 minutes, James Boyd replacing the hard working Brad Carsley. Brig where still the more dominant team and Ali Waddecar fired in a low cross from the right that eluded everyone as it flashed across the 6 yard box and out for a goal kick. Brigs 2nd substitution came on 80 minutes with Gerard Garner replacing the tireless Regan Linney. It was the Fleetwood Town loanee Garner who almost put Brig in front when he found space in the area and fired in a superb effort that Shenton in goal turned around the most magnificently. Seconds later and it was Boyd who thought he had given Brig the lead, Chris Marlow curled in a sublime cross from the left and Boyd met hit with a fine header that beat the home keeper but crashed back off the crossbar.

With 4 minutes of time added, Brig piled on the pressure and won a succession of corners but where unable to break down the resolute Trafford defence.

Full time and the game ended all square. Bamber Bridge will play far worse this season and win. A point away at Trafford is never a bad result, and this one leaves Bamber Bridge a point clear at the top of the League.

Bamber Bridge: Rigby, Vasey, Marlow, Baines, Mahoney, Potts (C), Waddecar, Forbes, Cars-ley (Boyd 74), Dudley, Linney (Garner 80)

Unused subs: Milligan, Staunton-Turner, Wilson

Match reporter: Alan Bateson