Burscough’s last gasp winner stings Brighouse
After beating Scarborough in their last home game, Keith McCann and his team were looking to build on some impressive performances and results as they try to rescue their season.
Although a home defeat to Bamber Bridge in the week in the Intergo Cup wasn’t the result they were after, the team were able to practice their relativity new system and create bonds within certain areas of the team.
McCann did however have to make two changes, Richie Mottram who signed earlier in the week replaced Ben Morrow in the Burscough goal. Another recent signing Callum Mahoney also got the nod over Sean Richards after he made two impressive performances when coming on as a substitute in recent games.
Brighouse got the game underway in what was a bitterly cold winter afternoon at Victoria Park.
It was end to end from the word go and it was Burscough with the first chance. Alex Parkes who had already impressed early on with some quality first touches and close control, drilled the ball from outside the 18-yard-box only for Brighouse ‘keeper Tom Taylor to produce an equally impressive save.
Minutes later it was 1-0. After conceding a corner Burscough hit Brighouse on the counter, with Mauoke Akaunu dribbling the ball down the right flank taking on two defenders he worked the ball to Elliot Nevitt, his strike was saved by Taylor but the ball fell to another Burscough shirt. Brighouse managed to get back in numbers and a succession of shots were blocked before Callum Mahoney found some space and he made no mistake striking the ball low and hard to the ‘keepers left hand side.
Burscough were again growing in confidence and appear to play better once they get in front. Again, just like the Scarborough game they were passing the ball with ease and communicating much better than earlier in the season.
Brighouse did have a decent spell of pressure and came close on a couple of occasions early on but nothing that really troubled Mottram. That was until a long ball played over the top was allowed to bounce inside the box, Captain Shinks who was on the half turn did his best to clear the ball but instead produced a deft touch which dropped right in front of Thomas Dugdale. The Brig forward fashioned a delightful chip from a ridiculous angle to level the scores on the 12th minute.
The earlier end to end pattern of the game continued as Burscough very nearly made in 2-1 but were again denied by Tom Taylor.
There was then an injury scare for Brig as Kurt Harris lay down injured for around inside his own box for around five minutes. But after receiving lengthy treatment the defender soldiered on and was fine for the rest of the game.
Up to the other end and a controversial moment in the game. Brighouse whipped in a corner which missed the first few defenders but was nodded towards the goal and led to a scrappy free for all moment, it was cleared off the line eventually but there was some debate to whether the ball crossed the line or not. Burscough can thank Sepp Blatter for not introducing goal line technology at every level.
Burscough continued to create chances and hit Brighouse on the break. Mahoney and Akaunu both had decent opportunities to put Burscough back in the lead but failed to convert their chances.
Around the half hour mark it was once again the turn of Brighouse to apply the pressure with a series of corners but they were unable to fathom anything from it.
Elliot Nevitt and Callum Mahoney showed great link up play at times and looked threatening whenever they went forward, they were both able to create space in tight situations as Brighouse pressed when deep in their own half.
Alex Parkes was fortunate to stay on field after a very late challenge on Harris, who again received treatment and was able to carry on. Despite receiving on field treatment referee Daniel Bruce allowed the player to continue without being sent to the side-lines first.
Bad news was to follow for Burscough. Inspirational captain Anthony Shinks went down in agony just before half time as he blocked a cross inside his own box. It is not known how bad the damage is just yet but he was unable to carry on and after treatment from club physio Lauren Woodley he was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
Keith McCann and his squad will certainly be hoping it isn’t as bad as first feared as he has been an integral part of this new look Burscough squad.
Into the second half and Burscough again had another great chance to go in front. Alex Parkes found himself in space on the edge of the box and struck a ferocious shot which looked to be heading for the back of the net, only for Taylor once again to produce an equally impressive save.
Brighouse had a long spell of dominance and possession in the second half and can consider themselves very unlucky not to score. Several golden opportunities were squandered by the visitors including a free header inside the box and numerous shots from outside the box which were either saved by Mottram or sent over the bar.
Phil Bannister nearly made the visitors pay as a quality deft touch from Mahoney sent him through on goal only for his precise shot into the top corner to be palmed away by Taylor.
It is very rare that both teams have so many opportunities in a game but just as rare to see such impressive goalkeeping from both sides. Both ‘Keepers deserve a lot of credit fot the performances they put in today.
Brighouse made several changes late on, including the introduction of the pacey Piteu Crouz. Brighouse were looking to change their style of play and hit balls over the back line of a tiring Burscough defence. However, they somehow managed to cope.
Both Burscough and Brighouse were not happy to settle for a point, which in turn created an entertaining game. Brighouse looked like that had nicked the points when a corner flew towards the edge of the Burscough box, the ball was headed on to a Brighouse shirt and back heeled onto the bar. Burscough scrambled and got the ball clear.
Burscough wasted a golden opportunity themselves when a poor goal kick fell to Kevin Lettany who had the whole goal to aim at but his first time strike rolled wide of the goal.
In one last search for a winner Burscough won a corner. Mahoney took the short option and managed to work in a cross but it was cleared straight to Elliot Nevitt. The forward took a touch before a precision strike, through the defender’s legs and left Taylor no chance and sent the home crowd and bench into euphoria.
Elliot’s winner turned out to be one of the last kicks of the game as the referee blew his whistle moments later.
Another vital three points for Burscough as they remain bottom of the league but continue to impress and build confidence.
Brighouse will of course be disappointed they did not grab all three points today as they wasted several chances to put the game to bed. They will also be disappointed to lose to the team bottom of the table, this however is nowhere near the same team that has played the first half of the season.
Burscough 2-1 Brighouse Town
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