Improved second half gives Zebras another win

Brigg have now won ten of their last eleven matches! This time it was thanks to an improvement in the second half.

Cleethorpes Town Reserves dominated the first half and were unlucky not to score. However, Brigg's second half performance was better with goals by Jack Tierney and Jake Reed.

Brigg made four changes with Will Forrest, Tom Raithby, Joe Moloney and Jonny Nicholls replacing Chris Rodgers, Tom Pearson, Reed and Cameron Hill.

Brigg had an early let off when Joe Smithson headed James Wroot's effort off the line. Soon afterwards Wroot had another attempt well blocked by Smithson.

At the other end Moloney drove a 20-yarder just wide before Tierney curled a free kick over.

Afterwards Charlie Dolling raced clear, but Callum Cordingley made an excellent last ditch tackle.

On the stroke of half time Shaw produced a great save to deny David Deane.

The second half was uneventful until Brigg scored a very good goal. It came on 69 minutes when Tierney fired in a stunning 25-yard shot.

Cleethorpes kept going with Jack Steel coming close, but were unable to equalize and conceded another in the 88th minute.

Jake Crossland's cross from the left was met by Reed, who headed home to give Brigg a 2-0 victory.

One good half was enough again, but Brigg should go back to playing well in both halves.

Assistant manager Simon Roach acknowledged that.

"That first half was one of our worst all season! We were lucky it was 0-0 at half time and things were addressed.

"We played as individuals instead of a team in the first 45 minutes. The passing wasn't good and there wasn't enough communication.

"Thankfully, we managed to win after a better second half performance. Our half time team talk and all the substitutes made a difference.

"Last week it was the other way round - a good first half then a bad second half. We can't put two 45 minutes together at the moment which is a bit worrying.

"Two good halves are required next time."

On Saturday, Brigg visit Nettleham in the league (kick off 2pm).

Brigg (3-1-4-2): Shaw; Tierney, Smithson (c), Forrest; Raithby; East (Crossland 62), Moloney (Reed 53), Gowing, Dolling (Neary 72); Nicholls (Hill 53), Moody.