Young Brig stars excite boss Crowe

Ally Waddecar was among the goals in the 5-0 win over Harrogate. Phot: Paul Vause

The captures of houshold names such as former Preston, Blackpool and Southampton star Brett Ormerod and ex-PNE legend Paul McKenna has certainly handed the club lots of exposure over the past year.

But as those two announced their retirements from the semi-professional game last month after stellar careers, Crowe is looking to the future.

He is excited about the club’s academy set-up, which is run in conjunction with Preston’s College.

Already the partnership has bore fruit for the club since its inception a couple of years ago.

Former student Regan Linney has become an influential figure in the Brig squad and has notched some important goals.

And on the bench in Tuesday night’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Harrogate Railway Athletic at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium were 17-year-old duo Ian Moss and Dean Ing.

“We have got a small squad but we’re making use of our academy,” Crowe said.

“There were a couple on the bench on Tuesday getting good experience.

“Ian Moss got the last 20 minutes and did very well. He was very competitive and good on the ball. There was also Dean Ing, who is the captain of the academy side.

“Regan was a student at the college last year, but has left now. He has done well for us.

“There’s some good players and hopefully they will all get in the first team and become regulars for years to come.”

Crowe was pleaseed to see his men in action as the match on Tuesday night surprisingly went ahead despite the pitch at Irongate suffering badly from the weather in recent weeks.

“It was really good performance, we played some really good stuff and it could have been a lot more,” said Crowe.

Tomorrow, Brig travel to Brighouse Town and Crowe said: “They are having a good season – are in the top 10 so it will be a tough game.”

Crowe will be without Joe Booth, who has damaged his medial knee ligament.