Three first half goals gave Bury Town the cushion to gain a comfortable win over the league’s bottom club Horsham and continue their pursuit of at least a play off place, however the result consigned the visitors to relegation after a six year stay in the Premier Division of the Ryman League.
Constant rain before kick off made the pitch slippery and difficult, but the clouds had cleared by the time referee Keith Yeo got the game underway.
Bury started well and were having the lion’s share of the play but Horsham looked lively in attack.
In an open game chances were created at both ends, but neither keeper was seriously tested.
Bury took the lead on 14 minutes when a delightful chipped through ball by Kieran Leabon found Lee Smith who volleyed past Michael Hunter.
The lead was doubled on 33 minutes when a Kieran Leabon header from a John Sands cross was saved by the keeper but Leabon followed up to bundle the ball home to give the Blues a two goal advantage.
Bury were now well on top and they added a third goal with five minutes of the half remaining when a sharp move led to Sam Reed having his shot well saved but the ball rebounding to Lee Reed who slotted home from close range to put the game out of the reach of the visitors.
Half Time Bury Town 3 Horsham 0
Horsham came out fighting at the start of the second half and only a fine save by Marcus Garnham kept them from reducing the arrears.
Bury then responded and Hunter made good save from Sands. A great move nearly resulted in Bury adding their fourth goal when Lee Reed picked up possession outside the box and ghosted past the two defenders, but Hunter was equal to the effort as he pushed the ball past the post for a corner.
Possession was then equally shared with defences generally in control and few chances were created as Bury cruised to victory, and with Harrow Borough scoring a last gasp winner over Metropolitan Police, Horsham’s fate was sealed as they dropped out of the Premier Division to Division One after a season of struggles.
Full Time Bury Town 3 Horsham 0
The ball crosses the line from Kieran Leabon to put Blues 2-0 ahead
Lee Reed shoots past Michael Hunter to give Bury a three goal lead
Lee watches his shot safely hit the back of the net |
