MATCH PREVIEW: Home debuts for new signings

Just when manager Mark Fell had got his squad to the competitive numbers he wanted, injuries have disrupted preparations ahead of Tuesday’s Premier Division home clash against Bamber Bridge (7.45pm).

Ceiran Casson had already been ruled out for a few weeks after sustaining a foot injury in the last home game.  Mark Fell will assess the fitness of several players prior to kick off of Reds’ fifth home game of the season.

Reds seemed to lose a grip on the game after the experienced duo of Steven Rigg and Jamie Allen were substituted at Matlock, although Mark admitted he wasn’t happy with our defensive frailties during what became a disjointed second half performance.

Defensive options are well covered with Jordan Little, Tyler Beck and Ben Williams, none of whom featured on Saturday, available if needed as is Tom Stephenson who played particularly well in a more offensive role at Blyth last week.

But Yestin Shakespear is still sidelined after the knock he received three weeks ago.

Thankfully, this is the final scheduled midweeker for the foreseeable future and operating on a Saturday-to-Saturday basis will be welcome under the circumstances.

The good news is that Reds’ two most recent recruits, David Norris and Efe Ambrose, will be ready to make their home debuts under the Borough Park lights.

Bamber Bridge have had a week off since their 4-2 win over Prescot Cables and have obtained eight points so far from two wins and two draws.  Their results have been quite solid apart from a surprise 1-5 loss at Hebburn.

Last season’s matches produced a 2-2 draw at Borough Park and a 3-0 defeat at Irongate leaving the balance in Brig’s favour in the head-to-head.  In the fourteen league games to date, Bamber Bridge have won seven times with Reds successful on four occasions.