Crowe ready for a tricky Moors clash

The Moors are in second place in NPL First Division North, having accumulated 85 points to date.

They could still win the title, although that would take a Devon Loch-style collapse by leaders Warrington.

Brig boss Neil Crowe is aware of the task awaiting them in the North East and will ask his players for another big effort at the end of busy week.

“We have played a lot of games recently because of the postponements we’ve had,” said Crowe.

“Basically, they have been having to play every two or three day,s which isn’t easy at this level when the lads have jobs during the day.

“It wouldn’t be so bad if we had a decent-sized squad to cope with the busy schedule.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have the biggest of squads and we have been using four or five academy lads.

“They are promising players but aren’t ready yet to play regularly at this level of football.

“It is good experience for them though, playing against some strong teams up near the top of the division.”

Brig will be without their experienced midfielder Jamie Milligan for the last few games.

The former Everton and Fleetwood player has jetted off to Australia.

Said Crowe: “Jamie is doing some coaching in Australia for a couple of weeks.

“He tried to hold off until the end of the season but with us being unable to get into the play-offs now, this was the right time to go.

“You cannot knock him for going, it is a good opportunity.

“Jamie had got some good contacts in Australia – he’s been in the game a long time.

“That is how this opportunity has come up.”

With George Bowyer also missing this weekend, Brig’s resources will be stretched.

They have squashed a number of games in lately, including Tuesday night’s 4-1 win at Clitheroe which saw Curtis Thompson, Ally Waddecar and Adam Dodd among the goals, together with an own goal.

Said Crowe: “Spennymoor is another big test for us.

“They are up there in second place and have had a great season.

“On our day, we think we can be a match for anyone and we are looking to finish the season as strongly as possible.”

After the weekend, it is another quick turnaround for Brig, with them at home to Ossett Town on Tuesday.

They host Droylsden next Saturday, then go to Brighouse on Monday, April 18.

The curtain comes down on the campaign with a trip to Prescot Cables on April 23.

Elsewhere in the division, Burscough entertain Mossley tomorrow.

Play-off chasing Clitheroe go to Farsley Celtic, with Kendal Town away to Ossett Albion.

Meanwhile, Southport are on their travels in the National League when they make the long haul to Boreham Wood tomorrow.

The Sandgrounders put another point on the board last week with a 2-2 draw against Woking.

Late goals from Johnny Margetts and Craig Westcarr saw them battle back from being 2-0 down.

Tomorrow’s hosts Boreham Wood are in the relegation zone, two points shy of AFC Halifax and Guiseley immediately above them.

Port, in 16th place, are seven points clear of the drop zone with four games to play.