Bamber Bridge FC have done what Preston North End couldn’t quite manage, by successfully gaining promotion via the play-offs.

Brig will be playing in the Northern Premier Division next season after a 1-0 win over Prescot Cables in the Division One North play-off final.

Over 1,600 Brig fans were at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Saturday (5 May) to watch what was a cagey affair with few chances.

Chris Marlow, on as substitute, finally broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a volley from eight yards, sparking wild celebrations from the home crowd.

There were some tense moments as Prescot searched for an equaliser in the remaining minutes, but Brig held on until the final whistle to seal promotion.

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Manager Neil Reynolds said, “Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Chris Marlow has been here for more than 10 years and comes on to get the winner, he’s a Bamber Bridge legend.

What a beautiful day to get promoted ⚽️ #bbfc #UptheBrig

— Marls (@1marls) 5 May 2018

“But it’s about everybody today. We’ve been here twice before in losing finals, and today was our day.”

Those two losing finals came in 2014 to Ramsbottom United, after Brig had finished fourth in the league, and in 2015 to Darlington 1883 after they had finished third. Brig’s promotion puts them three steps away from the English Football League.

Are you a Brig supporter? Were you at the match? Let us know in the comments below.