ANOTHER year in the life of topsy-turvy Bamber Bridge Football Club comes to a close on Saturday - and what a difference a year makes!

This time last year Brig had just managed to protect their status as a UniBond Premier League side. This year, the team have hit flying form, ensuring they have spent most of the season in the top four.

And despite the disappointment of missing out on the title, which earlier this year looked a realistic possibility, manager Tony Greenwood says he is delighted with the progress made this season.

He said: "We always aimed for a mid table slot but now that we are here I want us to finish as high as possible."

After a disappointing dip in form, Brig started picking up the points again at the weekend when they drew 1-1 with title-chasing Altrincham.

Brig took the lead at Moss Lane on 58 minutes when Andy Whittaker pounced on a rebound from a shot from Stuart Cliff to put the boys 1-0 up.

But the Robins soon replied, with a headed goal from Gary Talbot. But one point is more than many expected, especially after Alty outplayed Brig just a month ago at Irongate.

Brig's last away game of the season, at Leigh RMI, on Tuesday, produced a solid win for the Irongate outfit.

Pete Smith was the goal scorer, netting from close range after picking up an Ian Vickers' low cross. Although Brig ended up three points to the good, they will know they could have won the game in a much more convincing manner - they spurned at least six good chances.

This Saturday, Worksop Town provide the opposition for the end of season finale at Irongate. Brig are hoping to go out with a bang to please the crowd, which has steadily grown in numbers throughout the season.

Tony Greenwood will have a full squad to choose from, with both goalkeeper Craig Dootson and skipper Darren Brown back from injury.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.