For the second season running Bury Town failed to progress past the semi-final stage of the play offs as Hornchurch deservedly reached the final.
In a lively opening, Bury had early opportunities when John Sands headed over from Lee Reed`s cross, and Lee Smith`s free kick went just wide.
Hornchurch then began to take the initiative and Marcus Garnham twice made fine saves to deny Lewis Smith as the home side forced several corners.
Bury were generally reliant on quick breaks out of defence and from one of these Sam Reed went close. Hornchurch still carried the greater threat and Garnham again came to their rescue with a great save from Rickie Hayles.
Bury finished the half well with Billy Clark going close from a Lee Smith cross, but the home keeper was never seriously troubled.
Half Time: AFC Hornchurch 0 Bury Town 0
Bury missed a good opportunity to take the lead after 48 minutes but Joe Woolley got a fingertip to Sam Reed`s low drive to divert it past the post.
A minute later they found themselves behind. Garnham misjudged a long ball and Russell Short conceded a corner in rescuing the situation. From this the ball fell to Lewis Smith who drilled a low shot past the unsighted Garnham.
Five minutes later Smith turned provider for the Hornchurch second goal as he got clear down the right flank and crossed low for Martin Tuohy to stab home from close range.
Bury revived their spirits after 64 minutes when, after good work by Sands, a great strike by Billy Clark from 25 yards flew into the roof of the net past a static Woolley to reduce the arrears.
Bury’s hope of a dramatic comeback were shattered seven minutes later when Hornchurch again broke down the right and this time it was Tuohy who provided the low cross for Carl Rook to force the ball home from close range to virtually settle the match.
Bury fought hard to come back from this setback, but rarely looked capable of getting back into the game and it was the home side who came closest to adding to the scoreline.
Full Time: AFC Hornchurch 3 Bury Town 1 |
