Kendal Town 3 - 2 Bamber Bridge

Alan Bateson reports as Brig's poor run of form continued at Kendal.

Bamber Bridge’s recent poor run of results continued on Saturday afternoon as they where beaten 3-2 at the ST&B Accountants Stadium by a determined Kendal Town team in an exciting match played on a very wet and soft pitch.

The referee only gave the go ahead for the game 45 minutes before kick off, the decision was proved correct as the pitch, although cutting up in the pre-match warm up didn’t actually get much worse during the 90 minutes of the match.

The game started in a slow fashion with both sides looking to get to grips with the slippery surface underfoot. Brig where the first to create a chance when a superb low cross by Lewis Nightingale from the left, was met by the advancing Ali Waddecar who struck the ball first time only to see the keeper save with his legs. Nightingale then tried an 18 yard effort of his own that the keeper saved comfortably.

With Brig looking the more likely to break the deadlock, Kendal attacked down the left and took the lead with their 1st attack of the match when a Gavin Clark effort somehow squirmed through the hands of Brig keeper Lloyd Rigby. Bamber Bridge responded and following good work from Brad Carsley down the left, his cross found Ali Waddecar at the far post, Ali headed the ball back across the 6 yard line but no one was there to convert.

Brig were made to rue these missed chances, as on their next attack Kendal doubled their lead. Steve Yawson hitting a 25 yard screamer in to the roof of the net. Two chances and two goals for the hosts. The visitors were stunned but almost pulled one back as Adam Dodd surged into the area only to see his low shot again well saved by the impressive home keeper. Lewis Nightingale then fired over follwing an Ali Waddecar shot that was blocked. Nightingale again tested the keeper with a great low drive, but once again it was pushed out for a corner by the keeper.

With the half drawing to a close Bamber Bridge thought they had pulled one back, a scramble in the Kendal goalmouth and the ball looked to have crossed the line before being cleared. The Brig fans behind the goal were convinced it had crossed the line.

Another chance moments later saw Adam Roscoe’s effort cleared off the line. At the other end a rare Kendal break away was ended by a superb last ditch tackle by Matt Lawlor as the Kendal forward shaped to shoot.

Half time and Brig 2 goals down despite being on top for the majority of the half.

Kendal created the 1st chance of the 2nd half, Lloyd Rigby saving a low shot from the edge of the box. Brig had made a change at half time, Regan Linney replacing Danny Forbes, the attacking intent from the visitors was clear as they began to take control. Brad Carsley forced the keeper into another fine save has is downward header was pushed around the post. From the corner, Brad again got his head on the ball, this time beating the keeper but finding a defender on the line to clear the ball.

Brig were playing well, but with little reward until midway through the half they were awarded a penalty. A corner was swung in from the right, with ball still in mid air the referee pointed to the spot for something he had seen. None of the Brig players had appealed and none of the visiting supporters behind the goal saw it either. After several penalty misses in recent weeks, Brad Carsley stepped up. His hard low spot kick was just too close to the keeper, as he dived to his left he was able to clear it with his feet. That’s now 4 of the last 5 penalties awarded to Brig that have been missed.

Frustration was now creeping in as one or two tackles went in leading to a rash of yellow cards. On 70 minutes however, Brig pulled one back, a through ball to the right of the area saw Lewis Nightingale race into the space and tuck a fine shot across the keeper into the bottom corner. Brig were now throwing the kitchen sink at the hosts and with just 5 minutes remaining scored a deserved equaliser. Terrific work down the left wing by Brad Carsley, as he reached the byline, looked up and squared the ball across the area where Michael Potts duly smashed it home from 8 yards.

Tails up Brig went in search of the winner but unbelievably on a rare Kendal attack they were awarded a penalty for a rash challenge in the box. Up stepped Ric Seear, who made no mistake hammering the ball in to the bottom corner. Four attempts on goal from the hosts and three goals.

The referee added 5 minutes at the end of the 90 but Kendal held on to claim the 3 points. Bamber Bridge had played well but didn’t take the many chances they created and once again squandered a penalty. Kendal on the other hand were clinical.

A home game against Clitheroe awaits Brig on Tuesday night and a chance to get back to winning ways.

Full time Kendal Town 3, Bamber Bridge 2

Attendance: 134 (approx 50 from Bamber Bridge !)

Brig: Rigby, Vasey, Dodd, Lawlor (C), Charnock, Potts, Waddecar, Forbes, Carsley, Roscoe, Nightingale

Subs: Linney, Marlow, Dudley, Tanner, Boyd

Match reporter: Alan Bateson