PNE had to wait 80 minutes for the only goal of the game when Richard Chaplow finished off a through ball from skipper Paul McKenna with a chip over the home keeper Andy Banks to give his team a 1-0 win.

A strong but leggy PNE side had the better of the goal-scoring chances, but the hard-working Irongate outfit made it difficult with a physical, hard-pressing performance.

With the 1,365 fans basking in the evening sunshine, both sides took their time to get into their pre-season stride.

Brig 'keeper Andy Banks, snapped up by manager Phil Entwistle for his third stint at the club, made three good first half saves from Darren Carter, Chris Brown and Simon Whaley.

PNE were thankful for goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan after 70 minutes when he prevented Lee Pryers' rasping shot going into the top corner.

The visitors could have won 2-0 but Karl Hawley's effort hit the crossbar with the last kick of the game but a two goal margin would have flattered PNE.