Brighouse Echo Sport – All the latest news from the Heffernan Utilities Stadium by Dave Parker

Brighouse Town have not got off to the start they wanted after two defeats in the past week in the FA Cup extra preliminary round tie and the East Division of the NPL.

They lost on penalties after extra time at home to Barnoldswick Town last Wednesday and then 5-1 away to Cleethorpes Town in their first league game last Saturday on the Lincolnshire coast.

Against Barnoldswick they came back from losing 2-0 at the break to level matters early in the second half thanks to a brace from Myron Gibbons. And they then nearly had a winning goal with five minutes to spare as of all people, Barnoldswick-based wide player Ezio de Santis whipped in a great shot from 18 yards out which visiting keeper Callum Jakouleus just parried wide of his right hand post.

Barnoldswick looked to be out on their feet but they then saw off 30 minutes of added time before the penalty shoot-out which with won 5-3 to progress to see them on Saturday entertaining Northwich Victoria.

On Saturday Town, still missing experienced players Jack Normanton, serving his last match of a three-match suspension held over from last season, centre-back Matt Nebard (holiday) and Curtis Peters (back) plus skipper Josh Grant (holiday), were 2-0 down at half-time to Cleethorpes who have seen a huge financial injection over the closed season to aid recruitment.

Town came back in the 59th minute thanks to a powerful header from Danny Edwards but Cleethorpes then sealed the game with three more goals.

Town manager Grant Black post- match bemoaned cover from his central defence and would have been hoping to put that right against Bridlington Town last night.

Wakefield have come in for experienced defender Jamie Allsop. And, in the meantime, reserve keeper Jamie Hassall has gone out on dual registration to Doncaster club Rossington.

Town have re-arranged a game for this Saturday at the Heffernan Utilities Stadium when they will entertain Ossett United (3.00) who they were due to play on Wednesday, October 9. Ossett were delighted to agree to save playing midweek as autumn draws in.

Next Tuesday, August 20, Town are away to Bradford Park Avenue (7.45) at the Horsfall Stadium, before entertaining Sheffield FC on the Saturday (3.0).

Town’s late signing from Campion, Jack McGahan, was having a scan this week for a possible medial ligament injury received at Barnoldswick just seconds after coming on to the pitch.