Zebras draw despite dominant performance

Brigg Town drew after a convincing display against Dronfield Town.

Brigg put in a good performance and were unlucky to draw 1-1 with Dronfield. Similar performances by Brigg will no doubt lead to wins in the future.

There were a few changes to Brigg’s starting line up. Ryley Thompson, Joe Lamplough and debutant Robert Petch came in to replace Nathan Plumtree, Anthony Bowsley and Oscar Marsden.

Brigg began on the front foot with Lewis Dennison forcing Joe Taylor into a good save after being slipped in by Ryan Thompson.

Soon afterwards Sam O’Malley capitalized on a mix up between Taylor and Jack Hague to open the scoring.

Dronfield responded with Charles Bradwell and Liam Greenfield having shots saved by Dan Waring.

At the other end Ryan Thompson raced clear and was denied by a great save from Taylor.

In the 32nd minute Brigg missed a penalty after Sam Fisher brought down Ryan Thompson. Although Joe Lamplough sent Taylor the wrong way and got plenty of power in it, the ball struck the right post.

Just 6 minutes later Dronfield equalized through Jamie Willis. Ryan Ruddiforth rounded Waring and Charlie Cleminshaw made an excellent last ditch challenge, but the ball fell kindly for Willis to tap in.

That made the score 1-1 at half time.

Little happened in the first 20 minutes of the second half so Brigg tried bringing on David Deane for Petch to liven things up.

Within minutes Deane found Ryley Thompson and his effort was well saved by Taylor. Lamplough fired the rebound into Deane who had no time to move out of the way.

Nathan Peat then played an inch perfect pass over the top to Deane whose shot clipped the right post.

In the 79th minute Lamplough saw red for an alleged off the ball incident.

Bradwell came close twice as Dronfield tried to make their numerical advantage count late on. Neither side could find a winner though and had to settle for a point each.

Brigg played well and were unfortunate not to take all 3 points. Dronfield will certainly be happier with the result.

Assistant manager Paul Robson was fairly satisfied.

“We were definitely the better team and deserved to win the match. It’s a shame we only managed a draw, but I was pleased with the performance.

“The lads started really well and were rewarded with an early goal. Once we scored we kept going, but missed a penalty then the game changed a bit.

“Soon after the penalty miss Dronfield equalized and started playing better. If we’d scored that penalty we’d have been 2-0 up and probably gone on to win.

“Our performance was good though and some of the lads did very well. Sam O’Malley was excellent up top as was David Deane after he came off the bench.

“Daniel Bingley was terrific at the back and special mention to both our wingers. Ryley Thompson and Ryan Thompson were different class on the left and right.

“I hope we start like we did in this game against Pontefract on Tuesday. If we do and keep it going for 90 minutes we’ll stand a chance.

“It will be a good game and we can extend our unbeaten run.”

On Tuesday, Brigg visit Pontefract Collieries in the league (kick off 7:45pm).

Brigg (3-4-1-2): Waring; Norburn, Peat, Bingley; Ryley Thompson, Lamplough (c), Cleminshaw, Ryan Thompson; Dennison; O’Malley, Petch (Deane 66).