Brid Still Have Relegation Fears Ahead of Final Day

It’s the final day of the Northern Premier League season on Saturday, with the Seasiders playing host to Stocksbridge Park Steels.

It goes without saying that both clubs will be looking to end the season on a win, but for different reasons. Whilst relegation looks unlikely, Bridlington Town will be looking to secure at least a point, if not three as teams below them can still leapfrog the Seasiders.

Two disappointing defeats on the road last week to strugglers Tadcaster Albion (3-2) and Grantham Town (1-0) saw Bridlington drop to 15th. 

Some may say they were surprising defeats given our away form under Adrian Costello has been superb - losing just one game prior to the last week since he took over. 

On the other hand, it could be argued that Bridlington Town’s poor results against struggling sides this season made the two losses predictable. Losing 6-0 against Shildon AFC and 3-1 against Lincoln United are two examples.

The positive spin on that is that the Seasiders have had success on more than one occasion against strong opponents this campaign: two 2-2 draws against Worksop Town; a 1-0 win against Stockton Town and a 2-1 victory against North Shields.

They will be looking to add another to that list as their opponents currently occupy 3rd place with 61 points. Playoffs will be secured if Dunston fail to beat Grimsby Borough on Tuesday evening, with a point against Bridlington being enough for the Steels otherwise.

Whilst playoffs are all but confirmed for Ian Richards’ side, there is still a lot for them to play for as a 3rd-place finish would ensure a home tie in the playoffs. 

Currently, they have Hebburn Town level on 63 points with them, though Stocksbridge have a 19 superior goal difference. Long Eaton United are also only a point behind, so they will no doubt be looking to stay ahead of the other two teams.

Saturday’s visitors are in fine form, having won their last two games, both at home, scoring six and conceding one between them.

They will now be looking to continue their good form when they hit the road, having lost just one of their last five games. That came in a 1-0 result against 2nd-place Stockton Town.

Ify Ofoegbu is Stocksbridge’s top scorer, though with only 12-goals, which is a compliment to how well the Steels spread their goals around the whole team with goals all over the pitch. He is closely followed by Tomas Poole with 11 goals, and Luke Rawson with nine.

Ofoegbu netted twice in Stocksbridge’s last game, a 4-1 victory over Hebburn Town which may just be the reason they earn a home tie in the playoffs.

Lewis Dennison is the most prolific man for Bridlington Town this season, with 16 goals. However, he will be unavailable as he has been for the past three games. Manager Adrian Costello emphasised how much his side have missed the striker in recent weeks.

With Dennison’s absence a few different players have been tried as the striker, including Jake Martindale and Andy Norfolk. 

Most recently was a more outside of the box idea from Costello, who played midfielder and captain Jack Griffin up front against Grantham in an attempt to have somebody who can hold the ball up. 

It leaves the supporters and opposition unsure of who will be utilised as the striker against Stocksbridge.

At the bottom of the table, Bridlington Town can’t fall into the bottom two automatic relegation places. 

With 43 points, they can still fall into 17th or 18th and would possibly have to play a relegation playoff game, depending on how their points-per-game compared with teams from other divisions at the same level.

Carlton Town in 18th on 38 points have a game midweek, in which the Seasiders will be hoping Pontefract Collieries can do them a favour by claiming all three points. Anything less than a victory for Carlton means they will not be able to catch Bridlington Town.

Lincoln United and Grantham Town, similar to Bridlington Town, only have one game remaining. Lincoln are 17th with 41 points whilst Grantham are 16th with 42 points.

The Seasiders will not be hoping for a repeat of the game against Stocksbridge in November, as that ended in a 3-0 defeat after a second-half thumping.

Whilst on paper it seems Stocksbridge should win the game with ease, Bridlington Town dramatic 3-2 victory against Dunston to avoid relegation on the final day of last season is evidence that anything can happen when the pressure is on!