Bridlington Town Make Northerly Journey to Consett AFC

Saturday, 15 October 2022 07:00

By Ben Edwards

The Bridlington Town faithful will make the two-and-a-half hour journey to Consett today.

The away game comes after Mike Thompson’s side picked up a much-needed win at home to 10-man Brighouse Town. Andy Norfolk’s injury time winner in a close-fought game ensured the Seasiders tasted victory for the first time since August 29th, when they also came out 1-0 winners at home to Grimsby Borough, again thanks to an injury time winner, on this occasion from Lewis Dennison.

Saturday’s victory moved Bridlington Town up three places into seventh position, level on points with Brighouse who sit in a play-off position so three points against Consett could well see the team move into a play-off spot. As for Consett, they currently occupy third place having picked up one point more than the Seasiders in one game less, so they will by no means be an easy opposition.

The visitors have evidently adapted well to the step up, having finished second in the Northern League Division One last campaign to gain promotion to the Northern Premier League East Division. Should Bridlington Town be victorious in the game, they will be the first side to defeat Consett on home soil in their new division as they have only fallen to two league defeats, on the road to Cleethorpes on the opening day and Dunston.

The two sides would have faced each other on 24th September if Bridlington had beaten Colne. However, they came out on the wrong side of a 2-1 loss and so Consett had to make the trip to Colne, where they lost 1-0.

Had Bridlington and Consett faced each other in the FA Trophy, it would be the second cup game between the two sides in as many seasons. Although not in the same division last season, Bridlington Town did face Consett when they were drawn away to them in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. Bridlington came out 3-2 victors thanks to a Danny Earl brace as well as a goal from captain Pete Davidson, and will be hoping for similar fortunes in the league meeting on Saturday.

Bridlington Town welcomed back midfielder Eddie Rogerson on Saturday, as he played 67 minutes on his return from injury. Striker Joe Norton, who is still nursing an injury, was fit enough for the bench though he was an unused substitute. Lewis Dennison was still unavailable against Brighouse due to an injury suffered against Cleethorpes Town. The hosts’ man to watch will be midfielder Jake Orrell, who is their top scorer with five goals.