Brigg Town ready for long FA Vase haul to North Shields in good spirits despite draw
NCEL Division One leaders Brigg Town go into this Saturday's FA Vase Second Round clash at North Shields frustrated by a 0-0 home draw with Selby Town in storm conditions at the weekend.
But they are in good heart as they prepare for the mammoth journey north to take on a Shields side who sit fifth in Northern League Division One, one step above Brigg, who came unstuck 6-2 at home to ninth-placed Thornaby in Saturday's storm-hit clash.
It was a frustrating and feisty goalless draw in the wind and rain for Brigg against Selby with Selby's Kingsley James dismissed for violent conduct just before the end.
Joint manager Stephen McCarron admitted: “It was a tough one to take as I do think we dominated the majority of the game.
“But they had a game plan and just basically put bodies behind the ball. It was just one of those days at the office.
“There was a dubious decision at the end I am told as we had an effort that went over the line.
“Some of the decisions didn't quite go our way but we'll dust ourselves down and bounce into next week.
“We will take it on the chin. We're still undefeated in 15, so there are plenty of positives and it's another clean sheet. The lads played some terrific stuff and the three points was the only thing missing from today.”
He added: “Selby did a good job and their back four were terrific. Maybe we didn't stretch them enough, and that's on us.
“I think a lot of teams will come here and sacrifice trying to win the game and try to stay in the game as long as they possibly can as we have some very good footballers.
“Despite the conditions, we got the ball down well and it was just that final touch. There are going to be plenty of games like this and we are going to have to find a way to be cute and problem-solve on the spot.
“But it wasn't for the lack of trying. All we ask of our players is they give 100 per cent commitment and they have done that today in tough conditions and a point is better than none.
“Our fans are phenomenal and hopefully next week in the Vase we'll have something for them to cheer about up north in what is going to be a very tough test.
"But it will also be nice for us to have a little break away from the league and treat it as a good occasion. I know we have a good support going up there and we're looking forward to it.”
It's back to league action next Wednesday as table-topping Brigg host fourth-placed Route One Rovers.