Tony Greenwood's team thoroughly deserved to take the three points, which saw them leapfrog their neighbours in the league.

The game should have been played on Boxing Day but was postponed during the big freeze.

The crowd of 231 was probably half of what the Irongate club could have expected but the sub-zero temperatures and the fact Preston North End were playing meant it was a modest turnout.

Brig started brightly and Phil Eastwood had a header pushed on to the bar by goalkeeper Zac Hibbert in the opening minutes.

It didn't take long for the home side to take the lead, which came after five minutes.

James Heywood was released down the right flank by Eastwood and he scored his first competitive goal with a firm drive inside Hibbert's near post.

Chorley failed to get out of the blocks and forwards Chris Amadi and Stephen Burke were left isolated.

Former Brig favourite Alex Porter returned to his old stomping ground but failed to get into the danger areas enough.

Ex-Magpie Peter Wright looked dangerous but was one of several Brig players to blaze over when well placed.

The first half finished at 1-0 but the home side doubled their lead after 55 minutes.

A right wing cross was headed goalwards by Eastwood but Hibbert pulled out a smart one-handed save, only for poacher Wright to knock in the rebound.

Chorley manager Steve Waywell had had enough and he immediately made a double substitution, with Connor Millington and Chris Mason making way for Daniel Lloyd and Aidan Kirkbride.

It gave the visitors a much-needed sense of urgency and they pulled a goal back after 62 minutes when impressive captain Wayne Madden volleyed in a corner.

However that was as good as it got and Brig should have stretched their lead.

Substitute Phil Denney had a shot well saved by Hibbert but the game finished 2-1.

There was still time for Wright and sub Jamie Nay to be booked for a nasty clash in injury time, which seemed to involved some of backroom staff.