Brig's promotion bid is on the rocks

The match was a real six-pointer as Brig had the opportunity to claw back some ground on the Linnets, who occupy fifth spot in the NPL First Division North table.

Unfortunately, Neil Crowe’s men were on the receiving end of a 5-3 loss and instead of being five points behind, they are now 11 points off the play-off pace.

Everything looked to be going according to plan after Brig took an early lead through Ryan McKenna.

But individual errors contributed to the home side falling behind and their problems began to mount up after skipper Matt Lawlor was red carded just before half-time.

Despite Brig pulling level after the break, Burscough’s extra-man advantage told in the end, as they ran out convincing winners.

“It was a six-pointer of a game,” Crowe said. “We had to win and we needed to win.

“It’s going to be a tall order for us to get in the play-offs but we will keep going until it’s mathematically impossible.

“We started the game brightly and went ahead, but individual errors saw us go in at the break behind.

“Matt got sent-off – he threw the ball at their lad which you can’t do and got himself sent off.

“They went in for a challenge and Matt thought he made the most of it. He told him to get up and threw the ball at him.

“It’s classed as violent conduct and he will probably get a two or three- game ban.”

Brig were also frustrated on Saturday as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by lowly Scarborough Athletic.

“To be fair, they made it hard for us,” Crowe said. “I spoke to their manager after the game and he said they had come for a point.

“We had three or four chances and probably should have won, but they made it difficult.”

This weekend, Brig travel to Droyldsen who are fourth from bottom.

They were hammered 9-0 by Warrington Town last week, but then beat Brighouse 4-3 on Saturday.

“They have had a couple of hammerings, but then they went and won on Tuesday,” Crowe said.