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

Brighouse Town got their NPL East Division season off to a winning start with a 1-0 home victory over league debutants Blyth Town. Grant Black’s charges were grateful for a 16th minute goal from centre-back Harvey Booth from a Rhys Plater corner. Booth, a capture from Campion, has been a revelation so far to say he has been a centre forward at previous clubs.

Town should have added a further two goals minutes later but neither Plater or Nathan Curtis could find the target, The players went in at the break to warm applause and with the home cross bar still vibrating after a Blyth shot from Sam Fishburn strike had hit the cross bar.

In the second half the visitors upped their game but Town’s defence led by Booth and Curtis Peters, with midfielders Derry Robson and new signing George Grumley, also grafting away kept the Northumbrians at bay.
Town’s goalkeeper Michael Acquah also had a very accomplished game and looks a great signing
Town also almost made it 2-0 with six minutes left when substitute Fermin Sankoh-Fernandez hit the cross bar from the edge of the box.

Town were at Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday night ( Result: Newton Aycliffe 2 v Town 1) but could not keep the good start rolling on. Town led after two minutes through a Danny Edward’s goal, and were still 1-0 up at the break.
The Durham side equalised on 54 minutes and a few minutes later took the lead.
Town were robbed of an equaliser and a very valuable point when a Harvey Booth header went at least a metre over the line but the assistant referee failed to signal goal and the referee waved play on.
Towns following and the manager and players were disgusted with the decision not to allow the goal.

On Saturday they travel to south Manchester to take on West Didsbury and Chorlton in the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup (3pm). The coach leaves the Old Pond at 11.45 am.
Should they draw and the replay will be at the Heffernan Utility Stadium on Wednesday August 20 (7.45). Whatever happens Town will still be at home that night as they are down to entertain north Ferriby in the league.

It’s a very busy time ahead with the following Saturday an away game at Ossett United and then on the Bank Holiday Monday a home game with NPL newcomers Silsden.