THIS rip-roaring derby clash contained all the ingredients to thrill a 508-strong crowd at Ram Meadow on Tuesday night.

Three penalties – two missed – end-to-end action, fine build-up play and goals kept everyone on the edge of the seats for the full 90 minutes (writes GAYE RYNSARD).

Points were vital for both sides in this game, delayed 24 hours due to the weather.

The visitors were looking to strengthen their bid for the top spot while the Blues were eager to boost their credentials for a coveted play-off place.

The hosts deservedly took the honours in every department. They were tactically superior, more disciplined and sharper than their visitors.

Town's resilience came under scrutiny in the fifth minute when team captain Tom Bullard was harshly-adjudged to have handled in the penalty area. David Head slotted home the resulting spot kick.

Undeterred, Bury continued to look threatening in their build-up play and the visitors were never allowed the luxury of sitting back on their advantage.

They were rewarded with a penalty in the 15th minute – again following a dubious handball decision from the referee. This time, there was no goal as Liam Barrett saw his effort hit the cross bar and rebound out of danger.

However, Town had the bit between their teeth and did not have to wait long to be on level terms.

Barrett made amends with a slide-rule through-ball which found the lively Sam Reed and he outpaced the AFC Sudbury defence before placing the ball out of the reach of keeper Neil.

This marked the start of Bury's domination and they continued the tempo after the break, although patience was the key at this stage of the game.

Sam Reed continued to threat and his persistence brought him a second goal in the 69th minute – this time the pass coming courtesy of his brother Lee, who had minutes joined the action from the substitutes' bench.

This resulted in the tension reaching fever pitch. AFC Sudbury looked for a way through – introducing Bacon in their attack – but the Blues held solid, although it took a little bit of good fortune.

Their third goal, in the fourth minute of time added on, was testament to a fine team display – Lee Reed showing determination to beat Neil at the second attempt after being put through by a fine angled ball from Steve Bugg.


Holbrook U-16s 0,
Bury Town U-16s 3
Bury opened the scoring in the first minute, following a well-taken individual effort from striker, Ryan Lay.

Much pressure from the visitors followed, but they failed to capitalise until Lee Deeney extended the lead in the 25th minute.

Deeney added a third before the interval.

In the second half, Holbrook defended in numbers and created a series of attempts on goal. They were rewarded with a penalty, which they failed to convert.

Bury continued to dominate but failed to add to their tally.