Chorley 2 - 3 Bamber Bridge
A Macauley Wilson double completed a late 3-2 comeback for Bamber Bridge against Chorley in the Lancashire Challenge Cup.
Goals either side of the interval by Tom Carr and Jacob Holland-Wilkinson gave Chorley a commanding lead, before a Simon Grand header and a late Wilson double ensured it would be Brig in the hat for next round.
Carr snatched the ball from the Brig defence before firing into the roof of the net on half time. Holland-Wilkinson beat James Pradic from close range to double the home sides lead.
Simon Grand slammed home a header from 12 yards before a late Wilson set piece double completed the comeback for Brig.
Brig made the short trip to face Lancashire rivals Chorley in the Lancashire Challenge Cup. Victory Park was the venue as a much-changed Chorley entertained Brig with a spot in the third round up for grabs.
Jamie Milligan made three changes from Saturday’s narrow defeat to Farsley Celtic as Brig looked to be competitive against the National League North highflyers.
That notion was certainly the case as Brig kept the Magpies quiet for the opening half hour with neither side truly testing the opposition’s goalkeeper.
It wasn’t until the 35th minute that the game truly sprung into life as Essa Janneh missed a gilt-edged chance to take the lead, failing to hit the target with a header from close range.
Brig in turn had a sudden spring in their step - as good play from Danny Edwards and Adam Dodd freed the latter to burst into the area. Fortunately for the Magpies, Steven Drench was on hand to smother the ball at the feet of Cullen.
On the stroke of half time, the Magpies took the lead courtesy of Carr, giving the home side the advantage at the break.
The Magpies number ten stole the ball off Jack Baxter inside the Brig area, before steadying himself and firing an effort into the roof of James Padic’s net in what would be the last action of the half.
Both managers rotated at half time with Michael Potts and Taylor Bowen introduced for Brig, as Milligan looked to try and stretch the Chorley defence after the break.
Their impact wouldn’t be noticed straight away as the home side stated the second half how they ended the first with half-time substitute Holland-Wilkinson latching onto an enticing Liam Birchall ball to double the Magpies lead.
With serious questions now to respond to, Brig responded brightly to Chorley’s second with skipper Potts twisting and turning in the Magpies area before seeing an effort blocked by Musa Jobe in the six-yard area.
On the hour mark, Brig had their way back into the game. Baxter did fantastically well to release Danny Edwards down the far side whose outstanding ball beat the two Chorley centre-half’s and was slammed home by Brig’s number nine Simon Grand.
A much needed and much deserved goal for Brig who had responded well to going behind on both occasions and just five minutes later Brig were back on level terms.
Substitute Bowen was brought down 25-yards from goal as Brig pinned the Magpies defence back. Macauley Wilson stepped up and curled a delightful effort past Drench before celebrating with the travelling Briggers as the game entered the final half hour.
After dealing with suspension and injury over the last month, it felt fitting Wilson would score a goal of such quality and of such importance to brig at an important time in the season. However, even the greatest of football scriptwriters couldn’t have written the next five minutes.
As both sides pushed for a winner, a Finn Wallbank long throw was flicked into the path of Lewis Pilgrim who was bundled to the ground by Jobe.
Brig players, staff and fans appealed and to their delight referee Kavan Hurn agreed pointing to the spot in front of the travelling Briggers, whilst booking Jobe for his challenge.
Up stepped Wilson who coolly sent Dench the wrong way for his second and Brig’s third as the comeback was complete.
A resolute last 10 minutes followed as Brig dealt with sparse Magpies attacks and as the referee brought an end to the game. Bamber Bridge had defeated the National League North leaders in dramatic fashion under the lights at Victory Park.
With Brig now into the third round of the competition a welcomed return to league action will commence with a long trip to Gainsborough Trinity this Saturday (23rd November).
Reporter: Ernie Bratherton (@BrathertonE15)
