Former Lincoln City midfielder Martin Pembleton has questioned whether Brigg Town have the right players in their squad after an emphatic pre-season defeat.
Pembleton, who manages the Zebras alongside Stephen McCarron, was deeply unhappy with Saturday’s 4-1 home loss against Bottesford Town. Reece York scored Brigg’s only goal, cancelling out an early opener with a well-placed free kick after nine minutes, but the visitors regained control and were comfortable winners.
“I must apologise to the Brigg Town fans as that was not an acceptable performance and nowhere near the standards we put on the lads, and they know that,” Pembleton said.
“It wasn’t good enough in any department. We haven’t won any duels or any second balls.”
Brigg struggled to deal with Bottesford’s midfield diamond, despite Pembleton believing there were clear opportunities for his players to exploit the visitors in wide areas. Instead, Bottesford scored twice before the break and added a fourth through a deflected effort ten minutes into the second half.
York struck the crossbar with another free kick shortly after the restart, while former City striker Dayle Southwell twice went close on his first appearance for the club. His first-half header narrowly missed the target before a late lob beat the goalkeeper but came back off the post.
Hear Macca & Pembo’s honest assessment of this afternoon’s defeat. 🗣️#TheZebras 🦓 pic.twitter.com/0TEFDIKCa4
— Brigg Town Football Club CIC (@officialbrigg) July 11, 2026
However, Pembleton admitted the final margin could have been greater.
“We were on the back of a 4-1 defeat and it was thoroughly deserved,” he said. “If I am being brutally honest, it could have been more.
“It was only a friendly, but me and Macca have got to have a conversation to see if we think we have got the right people in through the door or whether we need to add more.
“Was it just a one-off? That’s the question we have to ask ourselves.”
Pembleton will be remembered by Lincoln City supporters after progressing through the club’s Centre of Excellence, which he joined at the age of nine. He made his senior debut as a 17-year-old during a 2-1 victory over Hereford United in March 2008, one of a raft of youngsters brought in by Peter Jackson.
The attacking midfielder was subsequently offered a professional contract, although he did not make another first-team appearance. He later spent time on loan at Lincoln United before being released in 2009, going on to represent clubs including Winterton Rangers, Bottesford, Buxton and Goole.
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