Brig boss Crowe hoping to keep hold of Heaton and Churchman

Bamber Bridge boss Neil Crowe is hoping to keep hold of trialists Josh Heaton and Chris Churchman.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jul 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 16:53 BST
Glenn Stell tracks Ben Pringle at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Friday night.Glenn Stell tracks Ben Pringle at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Friday night.
Glenn Stell tracks Ben Pringle at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Friday night.

Both former Preston youngster Heaton and ex-Macclesfield and Stockport midfielder Churchman impressed in the defeat to North End on Friday night.

Heaton played at the heart of the defence against his former club while Churchman reduced the arrears late on with a thumping shot from distance in the 2-1 
defeat.

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Crowe knows however he will have competition from elsewhere for their signatures, Churchman also trying his luck with AFC Fylde while Heaton has had a trial with Reading.

The Brig chief said: “Chris is on trial at Fylde as well at the moment so he’s waiting to hear from them and training and playing with us at the same time.

“In one respect I’m hoping he doesn’t get anything at Fylde and then comes to us but he wants to play as high as he possibly can. Fylde are two leagues above us but you never know, he’s one I want to keep hold of. 
Josh Heaton is another one who has aspirations of playing higher but he’s another one I want to keep hold of. 
I’m happy with how the squad is shaping up and the players are looking fit as well so that’s pleasing.”

The 2-1 defeat to PNE came on the back of a 6-3 win at West Didsbury and Chorlton on Tuesday night.

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North End fan Crowe said: “Simon’s brought top players and I thought it was a good game for any neutral to watch.

“Both sides played some good stuff at times and I was very happy with my side.

“The lads have worked hard and done well.

“When we had the ball I was impressed with some of the football we played.

“It’s no disgrace. The scoreline’s irrelevant and I thought we did alright.”

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The sides were playing for the Gerry Lawson Memorial Trophy, with Churchman firing in his goal in the 86th minute as the ground applauded the Brig stalwart.

Crowe said: “It was fitting that it was in the 86th minute in memory of Gerry.

“He’s Mr Bamber Bridge.

“He would have enjoyed Friday night.”

Brig next host League 2 Morecambe on Tuesday night, a 7.30pm kick-off at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium, before hosting Blackburn Rovers this Saturday.

Related topics:Preston