NEW signing Ian Duerden made his debut for Bamber Bridge and helped inspire a resurgence which saw them dominate much of the game in their 2-1 win (writes GARY THOMAS).

On loan from Second Division Burnley, Duerden played a key role as Brig came up with a host of scoring chances early in the match.

And after Dave Lancaster and Simon Woodward had both gone close, Duerden nearly made it a perfect start when his calculated lob floated just inches wide.

But after 17 minutes Bamber Bridge finally made the breakthrough, Woodward stunning the Emley players and fans with a breathtaking overhead strike.

Brig effectively controlled the game for the rest of the half, giving Emley few opportunities.

And after the interval lowly Brig stayed in the driving seat, making a mockery of Emley's home advantage as well as their superior league position.

On 53 minutes Bamber Bridge's pressure again breached the home defences when Wayne Maddock met Stuart Todhunter's corner, slamming home an unstoppable header. Although Emley clawed a goal back as Brig relaxed in the final 15 minutes, the Irongate men proved strong enough to take the three points. And with two games in hand over struggling Witton Albion, Bamber Bridge are now only a point adrift.

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