The first half saw both sides get forward but quality in front of goal was mostly lacking. Luca Bolino shot beyond the far post for Brid after Ahmed Salam’s corner kick was recycled on the edge of the box. The Seasiders probably should’ve taken the lead on 9 mins after Bolino’s shot was saved by Harry Flatters. The ball came out to Destiny Nnenanya who’s effort was cleared off the line by Jack Johnson.
There followed a chance for James Burgess on 12 mins. Controlling a cross headed on by Harry Colville, his volley went wide of the far post. Another opening for the hosts came when Salam glanced a header wide from a Bolino cross to the far post. Max Tweddle almost supplied a big chance for Burgess on 27 mins after picking a defender’s pocket, but his delivery just evaded the awaiting striker.
Ronnie McGrath has showed confidence in spades since his debut against North Ferriby last week and impressed once more on 37 mins when putting Town in front. A ball was flicked on to him by Luke Aldrich and the young midfielder deftly lifted the ball over stranded Brid keeper Alex Baird to score his first goal for the club.
Another glorious chance presented itself for the hosts just before half time when Riley Cooper delivered to the far post but Toby Marriott could only head wide.
The second half was end to end stuff with the next goal likely to be crucial. Aldrich found himself one on one with Baird after Burgess sent him clear, but the striker’s touch was a heavy one allowing the keeper to collect. On 62 mins McGrath was played in deep inside the box, but Baird denied him at close range. The hosts were getting forward too, but with few clear-cut-chances of note.
The Miners were appealing for a penalty on 77 mins when a Brid defender looked to have handled the ball in denying Harris Eggleston deep in the box, but an uninterested referee waved play on. Seventy-third minute subs Eggleston and Mutty Al-Jahadhmy were causing the hosts’ defence problems with Eggleston seeing a low shot saved after cutting in from the left, before Al-Jahadhmy pounced on a poor pass and raced forward with only Baird to beat, but his eventual shot was well-saved. The winger wasn’t to be denied a second time however in an incisive counter-attack on 85 mins to put the game to bed. Eggleston left a defender for dead out wide and found Al-Jahadhmy who swept home for his third of the season.
Deep into stoppage time The Seasiders appealed for a penalty of their own when a Town player handled on the edge of the box, but a free-kick was given. Salam, who scored twice from the spot on Friday evening, stepped up but his effort was straight into the wall. They came closer moments later when a long throw was headed on by Tom Allen to sub Reece Wilson, but his header could only find the roof of the net.
A fifth win in as many visits to this venue which lifts us to fourth in the table. Paul Marshall’s side are next in action this Saturday when NPL Premier side FC United of Manchester visit the BD Community Stadium for an FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round tie (kick-off 3pm).
Town team: Flatters, Johnson, Emery, McGrath (Ball 83), Tilsley, Tweddle, Colville, Coupland (c), Burgess (M. Al-Jahadhmy 73), Patrick (C. Marshall 87), Aldrich (Eggleston 73). Unused: Denton.
Cautions: Coupland 29, Emery 90.
Attendance: 350.