Heywood St James 2

Bury Amateurs 3

BURY Amateurs arrived at Phoenix Park last Saturday as pacesetters in the first

division of the Manchester League looking to record a quick double, having beaten Heywood St James 3-0 just a few weeks ago.

A glance at the league table would give credence to the visitors’ confidence. They top the table, having lost only once in 13 games, while Jimmies are languishing at the bottom with two points from 14 matches.

But, for the first time in a while, the hosts were able to field a full squad – 11 players, five substitutes and others who turned up. It boded well for the club, but provided the management with a selection headache.

The selected 11 started well and posted their intent in the fifth minute, Daz Grundy producing a crashing tackle to halt the Bury right winger, who played no further part.

The visitors appeared shocked at the attitude and ability of the bottom club and attempted to up the tempo. Jimmies, though, reacted brilliantly, Ryan Alessandra and John McHale driving shots towards the Bury goal.

Jimmies’ goalkeeper Dale Latham was called into action after 15 minutes, easily holding a fierce drive that thumped into his midriff.

Bury increased the pressure and Latham was again in action, making a series of brilliant saves one of which, low down to his left, was outstanding.

Jimmies, offering little up front, faced a difficult spell before the interval but, thanks to Latham, reached half time with the score at 0-0.

Within five minutes of the restart, Jimmies rocked the visitors, and most present, scoring the opening goal from out of the blue.

Strangely enough, the goal came after a Bury attack down the right. Latham again saved superbly and quickly threw the ball to Dave Collins, who drove a long ball to Simon Carney on the left. And, although not striking the ball cleanly, his ‘shanked’ drive floated into the top corner to raise Jimmies hopes.

Alessandra’s angled drive minutes later was blocked by the Bury keeper as Jimmies sought to increase their tally with the visitors on the back foot.

Bury were shaken but stirred into greater action, taking the game to the hosts. It proved a trying time for Jimmies, but Collins, Magill, Turner and McHale all battled valiantly.

Just when it appeared the home team had weathered the storm, Bury equalised.

Two great tackles by Magill and Collins led to a Bury corner, which was played low into the six-yard box. Latham grabbed the loose ball from among flailing legs but somehow the referee deemed it had crossed the line during the melee and awarded a goal.

It was an amazing decision and as Jimmies struggled to come to terms with it they were hit immediately, Bury going in front despite Latham’s best efforts – his brave block rebounded to a Bury forward, who appeared to be offside, and he steered the ball into an empty net.

It was a blow to Jimmies, who replaced the hard-working Magill with Nathan Bates in an effort to pull back the deficit.

Jimmies’ energy was upsetting the visitors’ composure and, not having it their own way, the tempo reached the frantic mark. A cool head was required.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining, the home team’s endeavour paid off; Dave Collins applying the finishing touch as Tinker flicked on Rhys Reid’s free kick. Bury’s claims for offside were ignored by the referee.

With time running out both teams battled for the winner and Latham with another breathtaking save kept Bury at bay.

It looked to be heading for a draw when the cool head required deserted the home team and a Jimmies’ defender dived in to concede a penalty. Despite the tension, the Bury striker slotted home the spot kick to consign the Heywood outfit to defeat.

Saturday’s game against Salford Victoria has been rearranged for 20 February, kick-off 2pm, so Heywood St James have no game this weekend.