An early attack by Brigg down the left wing resulted in a cross being headed wide before the home team responded with a weak shot finishing wide of the goal. Continuing to press, Shirebrook were denied by Lewis Hill’s excellent goalkeeping and Brigg then had a decent attacking spell with two free kicks being well defended.
Hill produced another good save as play continued to produce openings for both teams in a competitive game which was well controlled by the officials. Another free kick by Martin Pembleton from thirty yards out was blocked inside the penalty area and two more strikes at goal went wide
After half an hour of play, Declan Bacon was injured inside the penalty area and needed attention.
The important first goal was scored by the home team in the thirty-eighth minute when a concentrated left-wing attack was first blocked but fell kindly to Nathan Watson to drive it back into the bottom of the net from close range.
The goal scored gave the home team confidence to push forward in the remaining seven minutes of the half, but Brigg defended well with Hill continuing to produce fine saves and the teams went into half time with Brigg trailing by the single goal.
The second half began with Shirebrook looking to consolidate their lead and Brigg defending well to stay in touch. Enterprising play created good chances at both ends of the pitch but the home team looked solid in defence to subdue the forward play created by Martin Pembleton and Prince Haywood in Brigg’s midfield.
Brigg continued to play well but lacked the finishing ability required.
With ten minutes remaining the single goal still separated the teams but after a slick attack down their right wing, the ball was played into the penalty area for Kieren Watson to drive it past Lewis Hill into the corner of the net.
Then in the last minute of the game, Haywood was penalised for a trip in the penalty area to give Kieren Watson the opportunity to double his tally with a spot kick and he smashed the ball past Lewis Hill to secure the three points.
