STRIPES v STRIPES

Do you know where Brigg is? The ground is called the Hawthorns. Penistone Church FC are playing there tonight; an important Toolstation Northern Counties East Division One match where three more points will be vital in their attempt to get to the play-offs.

Brigg is further away from me than Scunthorpe-70 miles-a step further will take you into Grimsby, it's a long way to drive. I'm not going! I hope the Church gets the points, they have deserved the reward of at least a play-off. Brigg lie below half ay in the division, PCFC lie 5th.

This important match coincides with me reading this week's Non-League Paper, only to discover that Brigg are in trouble.

Known as the Zebras, the club was formed in 1864, very old considering the foundation of Notts County and Sheffield Hallam etc. The club is so called because the club's colours are black and white striped shirts. The club is reputedly the oldest "town" club in continuous existence and the oldest club to sport those specific colours. (check out Notts County?).

The Zebras have had good times, having won the FA Vase in 1996 and 2003, and in 2011 were in the play offs to reach Step 3. How the mighty have fallen from grace, now lurking in Step 6 with Penistone Church, who coincidently also wear black and white stripes?

Brigg are in danger of "folding". Needless to say, this is due to some dodgy past management and of course poor investment has left the club in debt. (who hasn't been at a club where finances have been mucked up by poor investors?)

The club owes the local electricity company £8000, so power has been cut off; there are numerous demands for other bills to be paid and the bank has its eye on the club's land under the Law of Property Act.

Help!