GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 1, BAMBER BRIDGE 0

from weekend of November 29/30

BAMBER Bridge crashed out of the Umbro Trophy at the hands of a powerful Trinity side, but it wasn't the score everyone was talking about.

Instead, fans and players alike were left asking why Brig weren't given the lead after Ged Walsh headed home a cross from Steve Trainer in the 61st minute for what appeared to be a perfectly legitimate goal.

Only referee Mr Hughes disagreed, leaving both sides level late into the game.

Brig had chance after chance throughout the muddy game, yet they didn't capitalise and score.

Shots from Neil Spencer, Ian Vickers and Ashley Hoskin were wasted as Trinity's defence look set to collapse.

Even the arrival of David Eaves - who immediately took charge of the game minutes after the goal that never was - couldn't help Brig, who had to accept the fact that fate wouldn't let them score.

Trinity had two spectacular shots which only failed thanks to equally great saves from Lee Greenacre.

But it was third time lucky for the home boys when Steve Circuit scored 10 minutes from time after his hopeful shot skidded past Greenacre, who was left fumbling.

For all their hard work in training, new Irongate manager Wayne Harrison must have felt gutted seeing such a fluke shot settle a game which was so full of promise and hard work from the away lads, who will be questioning the referee's judgment for a long time to come.

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