Bury Town gave a good account of themselves despite defeat as they start to adjust to life back at step 3.
An even first half saw both sides weighing each other up early on. A Bury attack on 8 minutes saw Tommy Hughes send a good ball over the defence for Cemal Ramadan to chase but the ball went just too long. On 10 minutes Stourbridge had a chance when a corner played into the box was hit goalward by Tom Solanke but straight at Bury keeper Charlie Beckwith. On 14 minutes Max Maughn played a great ball down the wing for Goerge Quantrell but some good cover play from Joel Kettle saw the ball harmlessly out of play. On 19 minutes Tommy Hughes saw his effort on goal from distance go marginally wide. On 25 minutes a good attack from Bury was half cleared by the defence but only as far as Tommy Hughes who shot just over the bar. On 32 minutes Charlie Beckwith made a great save from Fin Holmes as the Bury keeper got a hand to the strike to turn the ball just past the post. A mistake at the back from Stourbridge on 37 minutes let in Ally Conway who found space to shoot just wide of the post. Camal Ramadan went on a good run into the box for Bury on 43 minutes before he was shut down by two defenders. On 45 minutes Geroge Quantrell got to the edge of the box but could not get a shot away before he was challenged. Another good attack from Bury just before half time saw Mikey Davis shoot wide from inside the box.
Half Time: Stourbridge 0 Bury Town 0
After the break Stourbridge quickly got into their stride and attacking options opened up for the home side. Bury were given a stern defensive test as Stourbridge took control of the game. Two early chances for Fin Holmes saw Taylor Parr make a good interception and then a good stop from Charlie Beckwith two minutes later. Stourbridge went close to the opening goal on 55 minutes when Ethan Freemantle saw his header hit the bar before Bury got the ball clear. Bury were defending well until on 67 minutes a home attack saw Ruben Freeman head against the bar and substitute Jez Abbey was in the right place to fire Stourbridge in front with a good finish. On 69 minutes a determined run forward from Fin Holmes saw him get into the box but his strike was deflected wide. Then on 75 minutes Jez Abbey pounced again as he saw his strike deflect off a Bury defender and the ball slipped past Charlie Beckwith. Stourbridge continued to dominate the half with their quick attacking play but Bury fought hard to stay in the game. On 83 minutes Bury went on the attack and Mikey Davis had his shot deflected just wide of the post. A minute later Harley Curtis set up Ally Conway to shoot but Charlie Price made an easy save. An entertaining game came to an end and their dominance of the second half secured an opening day win for Stourbridge but there were positives for Bury to take from the defeat as they learn to compete at a higher level.
Full Time: Stourbridge 2 Bury Town 0
The David Longman Man of the Match: George Quantrell
Match Rating: 4
Attendance: 561