COLWYN BAY battled their way to three crucial points as two goals in the last 12 minutes gave them a 3-1 win over Brigg Town today (December 8).
It lifts them two places up the table and within seven ponts of the play-off places with games in hand over all the top five.
The match went ahead after three pitch inspections and although the pitch stood up well after all the rain, it was never going to be a day for flowing football.
"It was just a lottery wasn't it." said manager Gary Finley aftewards.
"I said to the lads before the game it was a day for rolling sleeves up and doing the battling and the team that make the fewer mistakes will win it, and that's how it turned out."
In fact it was anybody's game until the closing stages with bottom of the table Brigg showing they were prepared to battle every inch of the way as well, and they took the lead after 10 minutes when Rick Day's shot from 20 yards squirmed out of Jamie Speare's grasp and over the line.
The greasy ball was always going to be a problem for the keepers and when Damien Steer was unable to hold onto Mark Quayle's shot three minutes later, Martin Crowder slid in for the equaliser.
Steer turned a fierce Lawless shot for a corner and Quayle blasted a great chance over the bar and headed another effort wide from Olsen's cross before half-time.
The second half saw chances at both ends with Crowder clearing off the line to keep Bay on terms, while Steer did well to tip a Quayle header over the bar and then dived at the striker's feet to make another good save.
The breakthrough came after 78 minutes when Anthony Murt received the ball 30 yards out with his back to goal, but turned his marker superbly and powered forward before firing a shot from the edge of the area into the bottom corner of the net to put the Seagulls in front.
Eight minutes later Lawless was bursting clear into the box when he was tripped from behind and he converted the resulting penalty himself to wrap up the points.
Lawless, in fact, had a good game in the conditions. He was always a threat down the right, got in a couple of great shots and was named man of the match, while new signing Steve Pope came on for his debut after 26 minutes when Tim Brandreth was injured, and did well in the centre of defence.
Brandreth and Jamie Olsen had to come off after both getting kicks on the ankle, but are expected to be OK after treatment.
The manager has also signed up former Lancaster City and Aberystwyth striker Lee Spike and former Conwy and TNS defender Chris Taylor with next week's FA Trophy tie against Burton Albion in mind.

LLANDUDNO had their game at Mynydd Isa in the Cymru Alliance postponed, while rivals Prestatyn beat Glantraeth 4-1 to open a 13 points lead at the top.

• Post to:
•  del.icio.us
•  Digg
•  Newsvine
•  Nowpublic
•  Reddit