Underdogs Brig looking to upset odds in cup final

The men from Irongate face the NPL Premier Division outfit at Leek Town’s Harrison Park ground tomorrow night.

With Brig in a midtable spot in the First Division North and Town fighting for promotion at the level above, the odds seem firmly stacked against Neil Reynolds’ outfit.

However, they have already seen-off three Premier Division sides in the competition this season.

Their run in the competition began with victory over Marine and they have since defeated Ashton United and Buxton at the quarter-final and semi-final stage respectively.

They have also beaten fellow First Division North sides Burscough and Glossop North End.

Their win over Buxton a couple of weeks ago was particularly memorable as Brig were reduced to 10 men early on but battled on for the rest of the match to win on penalties.

Reynolds believes his men have nothing to fear.

“Grantham are a very good side,” he said. “They are chasing a play-off place in their division.

“They are going to be odd-on favourites to win, but it’s a cup final.

“Without wanting to sound arrogant, on our night I am confident that we can beat anybody.

“When my team tick I believe we are as good as anything in our division and the one above. To beat Marine 4-1 and to come from behind against Ashton and then to take Buxton all the way to penalties aftere going down to 10 men, shows we are in the final on merit.

“We respect Grantham, but we won’t fear them.

“We will be doing everything we can to win.”

Yesterday, Brig ended a three-match losing streak when they battled to a 1-1 draw at Prescot Cables. The home side opened the scoring in the first half, but Ally Waddecar equalised just after the hour.