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

Seven days is a long time in sport and politics and a miserable five match winless run for Brighouse Town was brought to an end with a 2-0 win at third-placed Belper Town and a 1-0 home win last Saturday over Ashington who had just changed their manager.

The valuable six points took Town six places up the table from 19th to 13th and join a host of clubs in mid-table on 15, 16 and 17 points.

The change in fortunes began in the Derbyshire Peak District town last Tuesday evening and via a Niah Payne strike from the edge of the box in the 22nd minute that is Town’s goal of the season so far. It just rattled in to the home goal and the Town players mobbed Payne who has been consistent all season with his work-rate and skill.

Town’s defenders kept Belper at bay and shortly into the second half increased their lead when Payne again was on the end of a cross from a set piece to stab the ball home and make it 2-0.

The home crowd of 527 couldn’t believe that their players were being played off the park by a side at that time fourth from bottom and in the relegation zone.

Town saw the game out and their fans returned home up the M1 in great heart.

Saturday brought Ashington to the Heffernan Utilities Stadium who haven’t been enjoying a good season but were expected to perform for their new manager and in the opening few minutes they attacked the Town goal and were awarded a penalty when Jack Dando, back at the club on dual registration from Wombwell, brought down a player in the box. However, Town’s keeper Kyle Trenerry dived the right way and saved Michael Ndiweni’s spot kick.

Town got back into the game from then and put some real pressure on the Ashington goal and keeper Daniel Staples had to make several good saves. From a corner he gave away in the 36th minute, Boston United loanee Harry Wood crossed into the box from a short corner routine and Rhys Plater controlled the ball with his first touch and   laid it into the path of Dando with his next touch who then looped it over the outstretched hand of Staples.

Ahead of the goal Town lost the versatile Joshua Waldram with a knee injury after a heavy tackle and he was helped off the field.  

Town saw out the rest of the half and then the second and with some timely substitutions to take care of tired legs, Grant Black’s men saw off the Northumbrian outfit to the delight of their fans.

On Saturday Town travel to Stocksbridge (3.pm) in South Yorkshire where the home side is currently enjoying a successful period of six wins in their past seven outings including a 4-0 home win last Saturday over North Ferriby, and a midweek 1-0 away win on Tuesday night at Ossett Utd.

Black says Waldram has ligament damage and it is giving the camp concern and he more than likely will miss Saturday’s game.

Striker Danny Edwards has had his scan on the troublesome knee at Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, and awaits the outcome. Vice-captain Curtis Peters, the former Bradford City player, was on the bench with the management on Saturday and he came with bad news that he is out for the season with his back injury.

Fullback Curtis Senior has one more game to serve from his two match ban he got from the Newton Aycliffe game but will be available for next Wednesday’s home game with Garforth Town (7.45) in the West Riding County FA Senior Cup first round.

In the meantime town’s manager is looking to add more bodies to the squad to ensure it remains strong and more success can be forthcoming.