Crowe refuses to look at Brig's false position

Brig are 14th in the NPL First Division table but have at least one game in hand on every team above them.

Crowe’s men have six games in hand on 10th-placed Lancaster City who are just nine points ahead of them. Numerous games have succumbed to the dreadful winter weather and now Crowe says it is essential Brig win their extra games as they enter a phase of back-to-back Saturday and Tuesday games.

He said: “If we win our games in hand we could climb about seven or eight places. I’m not looking at the league table at the moment. We know we are in a false position because of the games in hand but it is vital that we win them when we do play the rearranged games.”

Crowe believes tonight’s home game against rock bottom side New Mills may also fall victim to the weather as Storm Imogen batters the country.

But the Brig boss says his men are prepared to battle.

He said: “New Mills have finally picked up a point. I went to watch them against Clitheroe and they battled and scrapped for every ball. They are not to be underestimated. They will pick up a win sooner or late and I just hope it is not against us.”

Winger Alistair Waddecar starred in Brig’s 5-0 win over Harrogate Railway Athletic. And Crowe says his return from injury has coincided with their pick up in form.

He said: “It was a good win. The pitch was in a horrendous condition and to play the football that the lads played was outstanding. It has not been a coincidence that whilst Ally was out for three months that our performances were not the best.

“Since he has been back the performances have picked up.”

Striker Stuart Vasey (shoulder) should be fit for tonight’s game.