Result | Burscough 0-2 Bamber Bridge
Bamber Bridge are through to the next round of the Intergro Cup after a 2-0 victory over Burscough at Victoria Park.
Burscough manager Keith Mccann and his newly assembled squad were looking to build on Saturdays surprise win over Scarborough. He named an unchanged eleven as they try to develop their new team and system. The only team news was the resigning of Callum Mahoney who had to settle for a place on the bench.
The visitors Bamber Bridge had already beaten Burscough earlier this season in the league late October although they were playing a completely different squad.
Both teams recent form was inconsistent to say the least, so this was anybody’s game.
Bamber also have a relatively new manager themselves in Neil Reynolds as he took the reins just before Christmas. Reynolds had no fresh injury concerns after their 1-1 draw with Brighouse at the weekend. They did however part with defender Glenn Steel yesterday.
To the game and it was the visitors Bamber Bridge who hit the ground running. They created a series of chances and dominated possession but nothing that really troubled Burscough ‘keeper Ben Morrow.
There was an early scare for Burscough when a short pass back from Danny Ashburner was latched onto by Regan Linney. He chose to try and round ‘keeper Morrow but fortunately for Ashburner he was stopped in his tracks as Morrow regained possession and was able to clear.
Bamber Bridge were playing a high pressing game early on and it almost payed off as the ball was given away deep in the Burscough half and worked towards the box. Michael Potts fizzed a shot towards the home goal but he produced a fine save from Ben Morrow who did well to keep it out.
This then produced a counter attack led by Deklan Hill who manged to earn a free kick deep inside the Bamber half. The resulting free kick was whipped into the box but headed wide of the goal in what was to be one of only a few attempts for Burscough.
Bamber then took control again as they continued to create. They worked the ball down the flanks on numerous occasions and managed to find Phil Doughty free inside the six-yard box but his header was sent over the bar.
On the 37th minute Bamber produced a simply stunning goal. With Bamber Bridge once again on the attack John Holmes slid in to prevent them from scoring only to see his tackle send the ball straight to the feet of Michael Potts who struck the ball first time from the edge of the 18-yard box smashing in off the post, leaving Morrow no chance.
Bamber had a chance to double their lead just before half time as the ball was worked out to the right hand side to Regan Linney who could have crossed the ball but instead decided to try and chip the keeper, his effort bounced off the top of the bar.
Although behind at half time, Burscough did show encouraging signs of play and again the basics which have cost them so far this season were being done much better. It was still a much better performance than is to be expected with more than half the squad playing their second games for the club.
Into the second half and Bamber Bridge had the majority of possession but didn’t create much to trouble the ‘keeper. They continued to press as Burscough looked to play on the counter attack.
The second half was relatively quiet for chances and scrappy in parts as both teams were rushed and gave away possession.
On the 54th minute Bamber doubled their lead through Chris McDonagh. Bamber Bridge won the ball deep into the Burscough half and worked it to McDonagh around the penalty spot who made no mistake in firing low to the goalkeeper’s right hand side.
Burscough manager Keith McCann, who had only named two substitutes, went in search of some fresh legs as they tried to get back into the game. Callum Mahoney replaced Alex Parkes and Kevin Lettany replaced Phil Bannister late on in the game.
Unfortunately, they were unable to change the score and Burscough have been knocked out the Integro Cup. They can however take some positives from another improved performance and improved team spirit.
Ross Chandley
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