Brigg HC edge to vital win over fellow strugglers City of York

The men’s First XI had a relegation scrap to face once the Brumby Hall Astroturf had survived a pitch inspection after heavy overnight frost.

City of York, who lie second-bottom of North League Division Two, were the opposition and with the hosts lying just one place above them and two teams set to go down, maximum points were vital.

Exchanges were even in the opening half and the home side almost scored at a penalty corner when a fierce shot hit Andrew Morris near the line.

York took the lead shortly afterwards, but Brigg soon got back on level terms when Andrew Reid crossed for Andrew Dixon to net from close in.

Dixon then got a second goal to put Brigg 2-1 up at the interval.

It was just reward for Dixon who has fought his way back to fitness after two knee operations.

In the second half York soon got back level and thought they had taken the lead until the umpires spotted a third party circle infringement.

The home restored their advantage through defender Simon Dixon following a short corner and they managed to hang on for the vital three points.

* Brigg ladies’ first team secured a fine 3-2 home win over title-chasing Leeds University in Yorkshire League Division One.

It was an impressive hat-trick by Lorraine Dickson which gave Brigg the three points and the same player deservedly took the team award for player of the match.

The win was easily Brigg’s best performance of the season.