A superb defensive performance secured a big three points for Bury against a much-favoured Heybridge side
Tenth place Bury Town had to work hard all game against fourth place Heybridge Swifts but with both sides showing impressive defensive play any clear-cut goal chances were few and far between. On 10 minutes Heybridge put a corner in to the near post but Carlos Edwards was there to head clear. On 12 minutes Heybridge broke forward with Ross Wall pushing on into the box and his shot was saved well by Charlie Woods. On 22 minutes Cameron Nicholls got into the box for Bury and twisted and turned his way close to goal but his low shot was saved by the foot of keeper Callum Chafer. Heybridge were back on the attack on 27 minutes with Rhys Henry driving forward and in to the Bury box but a superb tackle from Lewis O’Malley took away any shooting opportunity. On 34 minutes Bury won a free kick which was played in to the box by Carlos Edwards and found the head of Shaun Avis, but his header went over the bar. on 40 minutes Carlos Edwards went on a run through the center and beating everyone in his way got to the edge of the box before he was blocked by Darren Phillips, but the ball broke wide to Cruis Nydazayo who made it in to the box before three defenders were on him and won the ball back for Heybridge. In injury time Louie Arrowsmith put a great ball into the box for Rhys Henry but he pulled his shot wide of the far post.
Half Time: Bury Town 0 Heybridge Swifts 0
Second half Bury saw more of the attacking play as the half went on. On 55 minutes Heybridge went on the offensive with Rhys Henry finding Rob Harvey who went on in to the box, but Carlos Edwards was on hand to make the tackle and win the ball back for Bury. On 67 minutes a good attack from Bury ended with Shaun Avis putting a shot just wide of the far post. Shaun Avis had another chance on 75 minutes getting in to the box and his shot was turned past the post by a good save from Callum Chafer. On 76 minutes Bury broke the deadlock when Carlos Edwards put a corner in to the box and a towering header from Lewis O’Malley sent the ball flying into the back of the net. On 88 minutes Kieran Jones put a cross into the Bury box, which was met by the head of Ross Wall, but his header was just too high and went over the bar. in injury time Heybridge won two corners which put the pressure on Bury but they came through with flying colours as they defended both corners well. Charley Barker had the opportunity to try his luck from distance, with the keeper out of his goal and the open goal waiting rather than try the spectacular he chose the sensible option of keeping the ball and seeing out the remaining time as Bury took a big three points against a strong Heybridge side.
Full Time: Bury Town 1 Heybridge Swifts 0
Bury Town Star Man : Carlos Edwards
Match Rating : 3
Attendance : 404