BAMBER Bridge lost their opening match to UniBond League newcomers Kidsgrove but can take solace from their second-half performance forcing the visitors' keeper to pull off three excellent saves.

Brig made the brighter start, winning four corners in the opening minutes with Stuart Shepherd having the best chance but he shot well wide.

Kidsgrove then scored twice in a minute to knock the wind out of Brig's sails.

First a corner from the right evaded everyone and the ball curled into the net and then Darren Twigg who hit a screamer into the far corner from the edge of the box for Kidsgrove's second.

Brig got themselves back into the game in the 40th minute when Alex Porter ran through to hit home low into the far corner of the net.

In the second-half Dean Cooper headed over the bar which should have got Brig level, and he wasted another chance 10 minutes later.

Mid-way through the half Brig began to threaten more, but Ralphs in the Kidsgrove goal made two excellent saves from Porter.

Twigg saw his header from Robertson just miss the post and when Bridge broke, Ralph again saved well.

Bridge finished the game the stronger side, but Kidsgrove were worth the win.

Kidsgrove 2 Bamber Bridge 1