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Bamber Bridge 2
2
Holt (34'), Benns (76')
0 Hyde United
0
Bamber Bridge v Hyde United

Bamber Bridge 2 - 0 Hyde United

The match was Brig's first competitive fixture at home since last season's dramatic penalty shootout win over Gainsborough Trinity.

The Brig XI on Tuesday, though, looked much different, with nine new players in the team compared to the one that took on Gainsborough back in May.

But it was one of the play-off heroes who was called into action early on, with on-loan Preston North End goalkeeper James Pradic pulling off a great save to deny Lewis Alessandra's 18-yard effort on 10 minutes.

Brig then had a major opening on 24 minutes. Jack Baxter fired an effort towards goal, only to see it take a touch off a Hyde defender and go behind for a corner.

Pradic was then in top form once again at the other end, making a low save from Jack Redshaw.

Shortly after, the hosts began to force their way into the game, with Holt going close with his flick from a Lewis Thompson cross.

But it didn't take Brig's new forward time to get on the scoresheet. On 34 minutes, he connected with a powerful header to divert Adam Dodd's cross into the net.

Brig reached half-time with a 1-0 advantage, but had to be alert early in the second half. The ball dropped to a Hyde attacker inside the area, with Pradic doing well to get behind the subsequent shot and make the save.

At the other end, Danny Edwards worked an opening before firing a low effort at the goalkeeper from 20 yards.

Then, on 66 minutes, came the save of the match. Hyde won a free kick just outside the area, with the subsequent effort looking destined for the corner before Pradic dived at full stretch to keep it out.

Brig then grabbed their second goal 10 minutes later, when a defensive mixup led to Benns receiving the ball and slotting it beyond Ritchie Branagan in the Hyde goal.

The visitors did have chances to get back into the contest, with Macauley Wilson blocking a header on the line in the closing stages.

But Brig managed to hold on for their second clean sheet in as many games, and maintained their unbeaten start to the 2023/24 campaign.

Man of the match: James Pradic

Match reporter: Ryan Smart

Published Wednesday 16th August 2023