Reynolds is up for Brig cup run

It might be a term used on loop by non-league managers across the country this FA Cup weekend but for Neil Reynolds and his high-flying Bamber Bridge side, the magic of the FA Cup is well and truly alive.
Brig players celebrate a goal in their win at Radcliffe Borough last weekend (Photo: Ruth Hornby)Brig players celebrate a goal in their win at Radcliffe Borough last weekend (Photo: Ruth Hornby)
Brig players celebrate a goal in their win at Radcliffe Borough last weekend (Photo: Ruth Hornby)

“Every manager will say the same thing this weekend,” said Reynolds. “One team from non-league is going to do something in the cup this year – so why can’t that team be us?”

Reynolds side have started the season impressively, following up a 2-1 win over Radcliffe Borough on the opening day with a 6-1 midweek drubbing of Goole at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

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The mood at Brig is understandably jubilant with a sense of expectation that this could be their year.

And with that morale and momentum, who can blame Reynolds for backing his men to keep their foot on the gas against fellow NPL First 
Division North side Brighouse Town in the preliminary round at home on Saturday?

He said: “We want to go as far as we can but we know Brighouse will be a tough test, they are going to be right up there this year.

“At the start of the season we wanted to enter this FA Cup weekend with momentum – we are doing.”

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And Reynolds says long-standing players Alistair Waddecar and Matt Lawlor can be key to that success as he praised the duo for sticking with the club through ups and downs.

After lifting the League Cup last year now, the duo are leading the club into a new era. Reynolds said: “You only have to look at Alistair Waddecar and Matt Lawlor, that was the first trophy they have won at Brig.

“They both could have played at a higher level and they are the ones that push everyone on.”

In other FA Cup preliminary round action this weekend, Burscough travel to Radcliffe Borough tomorrow, while Kendal Town are also on the road at Harrogate Railway Athletic.

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Clitheroe must wait until Sunday for their preliminary-round tie, with a trip to Pickering Town.

In the National League, AFC Fylde – beaten 4-1 at home by Maidenhead on Tuesday – look for their first win of the season when they host Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.