Depleted Zebras earn comeback draw

A patched up Brigg Town drew 3-3 with Penistone Church after late goals.

Brigg earned themselves a point against fifth-placed Penistone. This was despite having many players missing and trailing 3-1 in the last 10 minutes.

Dan Waring, Daniel Bingley and Harry Speck were absent for Brigg. Nathan Peat, Charlie Cleminshaw and Joe Lamplough were banned too.

Although it was harder without them, those who were available all impressed.

Brigg began brightly and were rewarded with an early goal. It came in the 10th minute when David Deane tapped in a low cross from Nathan Plumtree.

Penistone equalized sooner rather than later through Scott Whittington who blasted in an unstoppable shot off the crossbar.

Penistone’s Andy Ring then missed a good chance, but made amends with an assist minutes later. He won the ball inside Brigg’s penalty area and pulled it back for Luke Johnson to fire home.

That gave the visitors a 2-1 lead at half time.

Penistone picked up where they left off in the second half with Ring and Ryan Smith forcing Coy into saves.

At the other end Deane pounced on Brett Lovell’s short back header and was denied by the onrushing Marcus Ambler.

On 71 minutes Penistone scored again when Jack Moore volleyed in a cross from James Young.

Brigg then replaced Plumtree with Marsden and changed their formation from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. They went all out attack whilst losing – a plan that has backfired on them many times this season – and it worked this time.

Soon afterwards O’Malley headed in Ryley Thompson’s cross to give Brigg hope in the 81st minute.

5 minutes later Anthony Bowsley floated in a free kick for Lewis Dennison to head home. That made the final score 3-3 and completed Brigg’s comeback.

It really was a spirited fightback by Brigg. To gain a point in those circumstances was remarkable.

Joint manager Anthony Bowsley was proud of the spirit shown.

“It was really good to draw after being 3-1 down with 10 minutes left! We showed plenty of spirit to get a result when it seemed unlikely.

“Some were missing which meant others came in and they proved themselves. We all played well and I was pleased with the performance.

“David Deane and Sam O’Malley were an excellent strike duo and both scored. Our attacking play was outstanding and they were very effective.

“When we needed to score we threw an extra man forward and went for it. We’ve tried that before then conceded more goals, but luckily it worked this time.

“This was another of those games where man of the match was hard to decide. I’d say it was Ryan Thompson – he usually plays on the wing and did a great job at right back.

“We plan to take the confidence into Saturday’s match.”

On Saturday, Brigg visit Campion in the league (kick off 3pm).

Brigg (4-4-2): Coy; Ryley Thompson, Norburn, J.Thompson, Ryan Thompson; Plumtree (Marsden 71), Dennison, Bowsley (c), Petch; Deane, O’Malley.