Milligan's men put on a strong display at Irongate on the opening day of the season against last season's play-off finalists Guiseley.
The first chances of the game came just under ten minutes in. Some excellent footwork in the middle of the pitch by Harry Scarborough, brushed past Brown before sending Emerich Poilly through on goal, he cut inside before taking on a good shot which was blocked by Hopper. This was quickly followed by another chance. Churchman recieved the ball on the edge of the box before firing away a good shot which looked to hit the hand of Lawlor, but the referee waved away all shouts for handball.
Soon after the Lions had their first chance of the game. A long ball by goalkeeper Cracknell, found target man, Spencer on the left hand side, he then whipped in a good cross which found Will Longbottom but his shot went way over the bar.
After 25 minutes into the game, the game started to become very lively and both teams starting having chance after chance. A good corner routine by Brig eventually saw Baxter take a shot from distance but it went just wide of the left post.
Just moments later keeper Cracknell was forced into an amazing save. A great cross into the box by Isaac Abankwah found the head of Michael Potts which looked to be floating into the top left corner but the Lions' keeper made a phenomenal save to deny the Brig midfielder from close range.
HALF TIME
The second half was underway and Brig we're forced into an early change just 5 minutes into the half, as an injured Dodd was replaced by one of Milligan's new signings Nathaniel Knight-Percival.
Brig took the lead on 55 minutes with a goal by Chris Churchman. A cross into the box by Potts found Bange who pulled off an amazing overhead kick which the Guiseley goalkeeper reacted well to, but midfielder Chris Churchman connected with the rebound with a cracking diving header.
Just 9 minutes later Brig doubled their lead. Lewis Hey's cross found Ewan Bange on the edge of the box who fired off a shot which with a little help from a slight deflection found the bottom corner of the net.
After the second goal the game quietened with the Brig settling in to their lead and controlling the game well.
Lewis Hey forced another fine save from Cracknell from a free kick on 77 minutes
In the final minutes of the game Poilly nearly added a third with a powerful drive, but once again Cracknell stood firm in the Guiseley goal.
The lads are back in action this Tuesday when the lads take on Neil Reynolds' Warrington Rylands at Gorsey Lane, 7:45 Kick Off.
Match reporter: Seth Boardman
