SEXY football did little for Ruud Guillit at Newcastle - and Bamber Bridge seem to have learnt from the Dutchman's errors as they set about building the foundations for their title bid.

Judging by the last two performances, fancy one man displays and attractive play have been substituted for a more straightforward style of play at Irongate - tight defending and creating chances when safe to do so.

And it seems to have worked, as Brig first won away to Bishop Auckland (1-0) and then collected another three points in dramatic style at home to Winsford on Tuesday (2-1).

The game seem settled at 1-1 until an 89th minute penalty, awarded to Brig after Andy Whittaker collided with keeper Gary Stones who appeared to throw a punch at Whittaker. With Stones off the pitch and deputy Lee Cauthup on instead, Lee Aspinall duly converted the penalty in the dying seconds to give Brig another push up the table.

The dramatic change in playing style follows a meeting held with the players in which boss Tony Greenwood ordered his players to cut out the fancy passes and revert to an 'ugly' style of football.

He said: "But we can't go too far the other way and scrap all the time, because we will get beaten. We must find a balance."

Greenwood's men face another long trip this weekend, heading to newly promoted Hucknall Town, the side which replaced Chorley in the Unibond Premier League.

Left player Dave Leaver is set to miss the clash after being stretchered off at the weekend. His injury has yet toe fully identified such is the severity of the bruising.

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