The home team had the advantage of a strong wind behind them for the first half but the weather conditions made it difficult for both sides to control the ball quickly and it was up in the air for lengthy periods.
Swallownest were awarded an early free kick from thirty yards out but this was driven wide of the target. Dayle Hutson and Scott Phillips combined well in Brigg’s opening attack but the home goalkeeper, Zac Walker, made a diving save. Owen Vincent was fouled mid-way into the Swallownest half but Brigg’s resulting free kick was again too long to cause any trouble.
Scott Phillips chipped another shot against the upright before it was cleared but Brigg took the lead after twenty-two minutes when Steve McCarron, celebrating his 100th appearance for the Zebras, took possession thirty yards out before turning neatly to drive the ball into the back of the net.
Brigg continued to probe but the nearest they got to increasing the score was after Fin O’Sullivan set up Martin Pembleton for a shot across the face of the home goal. By the halftime whistle just a single goal separated the two teams, but it was anticipated that Brigg would enjoy more possession of the ball in the second half with the wind behind them.
Within two minutes of the re-start, Dayle Hutson’s strike at goal was saved by the home ‘keeper and then Scott Phillips went close to knock the ball over the crossbar from a left-wing cross. Brigg continued to press with Owen Vincent scooping a shot over the bar and Jack Richardson firing another shot inches over.
Swallownest were still well in the game and a free kick from thirty yards out from Jack Watts was only just over the crossbar. The second goal for Brigg was scored after sixty-five minutes when Martin Pembleton latched on to a long goal kick before controlling the ball to successfully find the corner of the net.
With the two-goal cushion in their favour, Brigg began to control the play and restricted the home team’s opportunities with solid defending. Owen Vincent had another shot comfortably saved by Zac Walker but the third goal was scored eight minutes from the end of the game when Dayle Hutson won a loose ball inside the penalty area before picking his spot to effectively settle the final result.
Two home games are scheduled for the week ahead. Retford FC are the visiting team on Wednesday evening and then Parkgate follow next Saturday afternoon.