Two significant signings have boosted Mark Brier’s squad at Brighouse and they have played a part in the two games since the big freeze.

Town matched Kool Sport Northern Counties East League Division One promotion rivals Emley in a League Cup third-round tie before bowing out. They then earned three points against the club directly above them in the league.

Brier said: “Emley played very well and we wished them all the best in the League Cup and we meant it but inside we were gutted. It was 2-2 after 90 minutes and 3-3 after extra time and we only lost the penalty shoot-out 5-4 with just one misplaced kick.

“There is a bit of rivalry between us and Emley and obviously it’s a big derby game when we meet. There is always a great spirit about the games though and a lot of friendly banter before and after.”

Brier’s new recruits are defender Matt Sparkes, who was at Liversedge when Brier held various roles at Clayborn, and former Bradford Park Avenue midfielder Craig Smith.

“We have Matt on loan from Ossett Albion and Craig will add that bit of quality that you need at any level,” said Briers.

“They have both played most of their football further up the non-league ladder but I hope signing them proves how serious we are about moving up. The ambitions here will certainly match those of any player we sign.

“We have a desire to work our way up through the ranks and although we have established ourselves relatively quickly, we feel disappointed. In our minds we have underachieved so far and want to rectify that.”