The visitors attacked from the kick off and won a right-wing throw deep into Brigg’s half of the pitch. Daniel Illingworth’s delivery was cleared but his succession of long throws into the area continued with every opportunity and remained a constant threat but the home team defence played well and goalkeeper Tom Collins marshalled confidently throughout the whole game.
After Campion’s opening break, Brigg responded with a sharp left-wing attack but ‘keeper Bradley Emmerson made a good diving save at the near post, conceding a corner kick. As Brigg continued to press, two more successive corner kicks were cleared from the goal line and another long shot from outside the penalty area went wide.
A smart counterattack by the visitors after eleven minutes of play ended with the ball in the back of the net but a goal was disallowed for a handling offence in the build-up. Then midfielder Aidan Kerby struck a free kick from a central position thirty yards from the goal over the crossbar.
The opening goal was scored after twenty-eight minutes and was the result of another long throw into the penalty area from the right wing by Daniel Illingworth. The initial cross into the penalty area was cleared but played back in where Lawrence Heward’s unfortunate attempt to make a second clearance resulted in the ball being deflected into the bottom corner of Tom Collins’ goal.
As half-time approached, Campion’s Joseph Colley went close to increasing the lead but his first-time instinctive shot from the edge of the area flew over the Brigg crossbar. Brigg pushed for an equaliser before the break, winning two more corner kicks but a competent, well-organised Campion defence remained strong to take their team into the break a goal ahead.
The second half began with another attack from Daniel Illingworth’s long throw into the penalty area being cleared and allowing Brigg to counterattack down the left wing but this resulted in Josh Batty striking a shot over the bar.
Play continued to be dominated by solid defending all round. Brigg introduced their substitutes mid-way through the second half and continued to probe, seeking an equalising goal. Their perseverance was rewarded with success three minutes from the end when Fraser Papprill worked his way forward into the penalty area to drive a fierce shot into the corner of the net from fifteen yards out. Two minutes later, Brigg were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the area but Josh Batty’s spot kick was well saved by the Campion goalkeeper.
There was a late response from the visitors but closing threats on Brigg’s goal were well under control leaving the two teams level at the final whistle.