Nobody wins at Bamber Bridge do they?

It’s a fortress, that’s for sure.

Bamber Bridge are unbeaten in their past 15 Northern Premier League matches on home turf and only one visitor – Ramsbottom United last November – left with maximum points in the whole of last season.

Neil Reynolds’ men have taken that form into the current campaign, recording victories at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium already against Workington and now Witton Albion.

They were held their by Warrington Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Brig are comfortable in their own surroundings, and it’s not difficult to see why – the playing surface is among the best at this level.

Brig did to Witton what they do to others

If Albion weren’t quite beaten at their own game, then they were certainly prevented from imposing it.

In the first-half, when Brig effectively put themselves out of reach for Carl Macauley’s men by scoring twice during an eight-minute spell, they were consistently first to second-balls.

The home team played at a higher tempo, and it stretched their guests off the ball.

It’s important to single out Brig’s dominant central defenders as well; captain Matt Lawlor and Kieran Charnock were aggressive in the air and on the ground, and the former in particular led by example with a series of brilliant blocks.

What about the second goal?

It would be easy to blame Witton custodian Greg Hall, but he did everything right.

Paul Moore, Albion’s goalkeeper coach, has told the former 1874 Northwich number one to clear quickly when he receives a back-pass.

He tried to when River Humphreys nudged a through-ball in his direction, but Alistair Waddecar had already set off in an attempt to put off Hall.

His alertness was rewarded when the latter’s kick thudded into him, and bounced kindly afterwards, so that the wide man could lift a deft finish into the net.

“Greg went to clear his lines, something we’ve told him to do,” said Albion boss Carl Macauley.

“On this occasion it’s come off their guy and he’s scored a goal.

“It’s frustrating because that left us 2-0 down, but there’s no criticism of Greg from us for what he did.”

Were Witton short on options to change the game?

Perhaps, but they did create chances even on an afternoon when they weren’t at their best.

Carl Macauley asked Danny McKenna and James Foley to switch positions, sending the former from left to right, in the first-half and it made both of them more prominent.

When an initial push at the start of the second-half faded, he sent on Delial Brewster to add pep to an attack that was struggling to make an impression against solid opponents.

Shorn of suspended Billy Smart’s dynamism in a midfield that included an off-colour Tom Owens who was feeling the effects of a sickness bug, the Albion boss did what he could.

Will Booth, once clearance is received from the Welsh FA to complete a transfer from Colwyn Bay, will be a useful alternative in the final third too.

In praise of River Humphreys

Witton almost lost him in the summer, through no fault of their own, but they’ll be mighty relieved to have him on board.

Humphreys was immaculate, rendering Brad Carsley close to invisible in Brig’s attack.

His experience, and willingness to guide inexperienced Josh Wardle alongside him while he adjusts to playing at a higher level, is absolutely integral to Albion’s improvement in defence this season.

It’s a treat to watch somebody who clearly adores defending.