Saturday, November 29, 2008
Fog On The Lune....
This match was lit up by a breath-taking team goal that covered the length and width of the pitch.
Skipper Tariq Sheikh stopped a flicked short corner inches from his nose on the goal line, before calmly playing the ball out towards Foster. The Bury winger then played the ball back to his skipper who, displaying unbelievable poise, actually played the ball back to keeper Heaton.
Heaton squared the ball to Jonny Lowe, who interchanged neat passes with Sameer Sheikh, before playing the ball up the line to Berry. The ball was then swiftly moved infield to McManus who beat two men before laying the ball off to Todd.
Todd then showed awesome vision to pick out Matthews, who weaved his magic as he beat two more would be tacklers. A neat one-two with Fernando eventually saw the ball delivered wide to Waywell.
The resulting cross was met in the ‘D’ by the Bury skipper, who had started the move. A nonchalant flick behind his legs saw the ball find the far bottom corner as Tariq Sheikh scored his first of the season.
The only other highlight saw Dave Heaton produce the best save I’ve ever season. A looping shot appeared to have caught the Bury keeper off his line, however Heaton showed superb reflexes to produce a stunning Higuita inspired Scorpian kick clearance, before springing back up, instantly ready to parry the rebound shot wide. Awesome.
All this may have happened had the game actually gone ahead. As it was, Bury set off at 9:50, having confirmed the game would go ahead. As the team reached Junction 33 of the M6, it turned out that the game had to be called off as the pitch was frozen.
The Old Boys made the best of the situation, mainly by going to the pub in Lancaster.
Skipper Tariq Sheikh stopped a flicked short corner inches from his nose on the goal line, before calmly playing the ball out towards Foster. The Bury winger then played the ball back to his skipper who, displaying unbelievable poise, actually played the ball back to keeper Heaton.
Heaton squared the ball to Jonny Lowe, who interchanged neat passes with Sameer Sheikh, before playing the ball up the line to Berry. The ball was then swiftly moved infield to McManus who beat two men before laying the ball off to Todd.
Todd then showed awesome vision to pick out Matthews, who weaved his magic as he beat two more would be tacklers. A neat one-two with Fernando eventually saw the ball delivered wide to Waywell.
The resulting cross was met in the ‘D’ by the Bury skipper, who had started the move. A nonchalant flick behind his legs saw the ball find the far bottom corner as Tariq Sheikh scored his first of the season.
The only other highlight saw Dave Heaton produce the best save I’ve ever season. A looping shot appeared to have caught the Bury keeper off his line, however Heaton showed superb reflexes to produce a stunning Higuita inspired Scorpian kick clearance, before springing back up, instantly ready to parry the rebound shot wide. Awesome.
All this may have happened had the game actually gone ahead. As it was, Bury set off at 9:50, having confirmed the game would go ahead. As the team reached Junction 33 of the M6, it turned out that the game had to be called off as the pitch was frozen.
The Old Boys made the best of the situation, mainly by going to the pub in Lancaster.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Old Boys Hit Four Again.
BGSOB 4-0 Prescot 3s
Cooke
Matthews
Waywell
S. Sheikh
Bury scored four goals for the third successive game as they kept themselves level on points at the top of the league.
The game started well for the Old Boys as they immediately began to string passes together. A neat exchange of passes down the left wing saw Berry play Matthews into space after just two minutes. Matthews jinked past two defenders before smashing his shot narrowly wide of the near post.
This set the tone for the first half as Bury proceeded to dominate possession, creating numerous chances. Cooke, Waywell and Sameer Sheikh all saw shots saved by the Prescot keeper before the deadlock was finally broken. Following a good defensive interception the ball was delivered to Waywell in midfield. His superb first time pass found Cooke in space and the in-form striker showed good skill and composure as he drew the keeper and placed the ball confidently into the net.
Once again the Bury midfield was looking impressive as the home side looked to add to their lead. When the second goal did arrive, it was courtesy of another blistering Dave Matthews short corner. The Bury forward smashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner, scoring his fourth goal of the season.
Not to be outdone Mark Waywell then produced his trade mark marauding run down the left wing. Having beaten three men, the striker cut into the ‘D’ and managed to shoot from a tight angle. The ball managed to beat both defender and goalkeeper as it found its way in at the near post.
With a three nil lead, Bury took their foot off the gas somewhat, in the second half. As a result, their passing wasn’t quite as crisp as it had been and Prescot capitalised on this to present more of an attacking threat.
Bury were still creating chances however and Joe Ainscow was superbly denied his third goal in three appearances following a tremendous triple save from the Prescot keeper. The Old Boys finally made the game secure fifteen minutes from the end. A Hillary short corner was saved by the Prescot keeper, but Sameer Sheikh was on hand to score The Old Boys fourth and final goal.
This was another solid performance from The Old Boys, with keeper Heaton keeping his fourth clean sheet out of seven appearances. As the Christmas break approaches, the Old Boys will know that they can’t relax if they want to maintain their good position until the end of the season.
Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, J. Lowe, S. Sheikh, McManus, Hillary, Matthews, Foster, Berry, Waywell, Cooke, C.Lowe, Todd, Robinson, Wright, Ainscow.
MOM: Matthews
Cooke
Matthews
Waywell
S. Sheikh
Bury scored four goals for the third successive game as they kept themselves level on points at the top of the league.
The game started well for the Old Boys as they immediately began to string passes together. A neat exchange of passes down the left wing saw Berry play Matthews into space after just two minutes. Matthews jinked past two defenders before smashing his shot narrowly wide of the near post.
This set the tone for the first half as Bury proceeded to dominate possession, creating numerous chances. Cooke, Waywell and Sameer Sheikh all saw shots saved by the Prescot keeper before the deadlock was finally broken. Following a good defensive interception the ball was delivered to Waywell in midfield. His superb first time pass found Cooke in space and the in-form striker showed good skill and composure as he drew the keeper and placed the ball confidently into the net.
Once again the Bury midfield was looking impressive as the home side looked to add to their lead. When the second goal did arrive, it was courtesy of another blistering Dave Matthews short corner. The Bury forward smashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner, scoring his fourth goal of the season.
Not to be outdone Mark Waywell then produced his trade mark marauding run down the left wing. Having beaten three men, the striker cut into the ‘D’ and managed to shoot from a tight angle. The ball managed to beat both defender and goalkeeper as it found its way in at the near post.
With a three nil lead, Bury took their foot off the gas somewhat, in the second half. As a result, their passing wasn’t quite as crisp as it had been and Prescot capitalised on this to present more of an attacking threat.
Bury were still creating chances however and Joe Ainscow was superbly denied his third goal in three appearances following a tremendous triple save from the Prescot keeper. The Old Boys finally made the game secure fifteen minutes from the end. A Hillary short corner was saved by the Prescot keeper, but Sameer Sheikh was on hand to score The Old Boys fourth and final goal.
This was another solid performance from The Old Boys, with keeper Heaton keeping his fourth clean sheet out of seven appearances. As the Christmas break approaches, the Old Boys will know that they can’t relax if they want to maintain their good position until the end of the season.
Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, J. Lowe, S. Sheikh, McManus, Hillary, Matthews, Foster, Berry, Waywell, Cooke, C.Lowe, Todd, Robinson, Wright, Ainscow.
MOM: Matthews
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Cooke's Triple Tames Trinity
Manchester Trinity 3s.......1
BGSOB ............................4
Cooke (3)
Chandler
A Matt Cooke hat-trick helped the Old Boys to overcome a dangerous Trinity side on Saturday, ensuring they kept pace at the top of the table.
The opening fifteen minutes were dominated by the Manchester side, who moved the ball well when attacking. Although they created several openings, the Bury defence allowed the home side few clear – cut chances, with Jonny Lowe’s timely clearance blocking the closest threat to goal.
Moments later The Old Boys opened the scoring, albeit very much against the run of play. Striker Matt Cooke produced an excellent piece of individual skill and determination to somehow squeeze the ball in from the tightest of angles, on his reverse stick.
This provided Bury with the kick start they needed, as they then dominated possession for the remainder of the half. Cooke and Waywell were constant threats with their clever movement, and received excellent supply from Foster and Robinson on the wings. With Matthews, McManus, Hillary and Wright working tirelessly in midfield, the Old Boys looked to increase their advantage, but failed to do so before half time.
Minutes into the second half however, Bury did double their lead. A clever touch round a defender from Foster led to a cross to the far post, where Nathan Chandler was on hand to calmly collect his first league goal with a controlled finish.
Even with a two goal lead, Bury could not relax, as Trinity pushed to get back into the game. They finally got the reward their good play deserved when a half cleared short corner was drilled in to halve the deficit.
However, the Old Boys were not fazed by this and continued to play their passing hockey. Waywell was looking increasingly dangerous and saw two efforts narrowly miss the target. Finally, Cooke restored Bury’s two goal advantage as he collected the ball in the ‘D,’ turned neatly and slotted the ball past the keeper.
Bury were now playing some excellent hockey, highlighted by captain Tariq Sheikh’s audacious aerial ball to Cooke that nearly produced another chance for Waywell.
With minutes remaining Cooke completed his hat-trick following an incisive counter attack. Breaking from an attacking corner, the Old Boys moved the ball to Robinson who in turn found Cooke. Yet again Cooke controlled the ball, turned and produced a composed finish to seal an excellent personal display.
This was an excellent, competitive game between two sides who looked to play good hockey and credit must go to Trinity for their attacking approach and endless determination.
Squad: Fernando, J. Lowe, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Hillary, McManus, Matthews, Robinson, Foster, Cooke, Waywell, Berry, Wright, Dowd, Chandler.
MOM: Cooke.
BGSOB ............................4
Cooke (3)
Chandler
A Matt Cooke hat-trick helped the Old Boys to overcome a dangerous Trinity side on Saturday, ensuring they kept pace at the top of the table.
The opening fifteen minutes were dominated by the Manchester side, who moved the ball well when attacking. Although they created several openings, the Bury defence allowed the home side few clear – cut chances, with Jonny Lowe’s timely clearance blocking the closest threat to goal.
Moments later The Old Boys opened the scoring, albeit very much against the run of play. Striker Matt Cooke produced an excellent piece of individual skill and determination to somehow squeeze the ball in from the tightest of angles, on his reverse stick.
This provided Bury with the kick start they needed, as they then dominated possession for the remainder of the half. Cooke and Waywell were constant threats with their clever movement, and received excellent supply from Foster and Robinson on the wings. With Matthews, McManus, Hillary and Wright working tirelessly in midfield, the Old Boys looked to increase their advantage, but failed to do so before half time.
Minutes into the second half however, Bury did double their lead. A clever touch round a defender from Foster led to a cross to the far post, where Nathan Chandler was on hand to calmly collect his first league goal with a controlled finish.
Even with a two goal lead, Bury could not relax, as Trinity pushed to get back into the game. They finally got the reward their good play deserved when a half cleared short corner was drilled in to halve the deficit.
However, the Old Boys were not fazed by this and continued to play their passing hockey. Waywell was looking increasingly dangerous and saw two efforts narrowly miss the target. Finally, Cooke restored Bury’s two goal advantage as he collected the ball in the ‘D,’ turned neatly and slotted the ball past the keeper.
Bury were now playing some excellent hockey, highlighted by captain Tariq Sheikh’s audacious aerial ball to Cooke that nearly produced another chance for Waywell.
With minutes remaining Cooke completed his hat-trick following an incisive counter attack. Breaking from an attacking corner, the Old Boys moved the ball to Robinson who in turn found Cooke. Yet again Cooke controlled the ball, turned and produced a composed finish to seal an excellent personal display.
This was an excellent, competitive game between two sides who looked to play good hockey and credit must go to Trinity for their attacking approach and endless determination.
Squad: Fernando, J. Lowe, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Hillary, McManus, Matthews, Robinson, Foster, Cooke, Waywell, Berry, Wright, Dowd, Chandler.
MOM: Cooke.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Magic Matthews Inspires Old Boys
BGSOB 4-0 Urmston
Matthews (2)
Robinson (2)
A virtuoso display from midfielder Dave Matthews helped The Old Boys keep up with the pace at the top of the table with a comfortable victory against Urmston on Saturday.
The game started well for the home side who immediately pushed forward and looked to attack at every opportunity. Bury were quickly rewarded for their bright start, as a Robinson ball from the left found its way to Matthews at the top of the ‘D.’ The midfielder worked himself a bit of space before smashing the ball low into the net, through a crowd of players.
Unfortunately, the Old Boys were not able to fully capitalise on their excellent start. Some of the passing and decision making was not quite up to scratch and, although dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Bury were not able to add to their lead before half time.
With Heaton a virtual spectator in net and Jon Lowe and Tariq Sheikh dealing comfortably with any attacking threat, The Old Boys were asked to be more composed and patient in possession.
The second half saw Bury finally take complete control of the match as they responded to the captain’s team talk. The ball was moved quickly and effectively, with Matthews the focal point of many attacking moves.
Bury extended their lead ten minutes into the second half, when Xander Robinson finished off an excellent team move. With Lowe, Todd, Hillary and Cooke all involved the ball was worked from a tight spot in the corner into the Urmston ‘D.’ Showing excellent composure, Robinson lifted the ball past the advancing keeper, giving Bury a two goal cushion.
The Old Boys looked to increase their lead and looked dangerous on numerous occasions. Cooke came the closest as he tried a cheeky deflected finished which the Urmston keeper did well to save at point blank range. With Waywell, Matthews, Hillary and Foster all going close, the Old Boys were well on top.
When the third goal did arrive, it was Matthews again who provided the finish. This time he was on hand to slot the ball home after Waywell had crashed a reverse stick shot off the bar. Robinson then completed the scoring from a Bury short corner. Displaying fine anticipation the winger pounced on an effort that had been parried by the Urmston keeper, and was rewarded with a simple finish into the bottom corner.
Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, J.Lowe, S. Sheikh, McManus, Hillary, Matthews, Foster, Robinson, Waywell, Cooke, C. Lowe, Todd, Berry, Fernando
MOM: Matthews
Matthews (2)
Robinson (2)
A virtuoso display from midfielder Dave Matthews helped The Old Boys keep up with the pace at the top of the table with a comfortable victory against Urmston on Saturday.
The game started well for the home side who immediately pushed forward and looked to attack at every opportunity. Bury were quickly rewarded for their bright start, as a Robinson ball from the left found its way to Matthews at the top of the ‘D.’ The midfielder worked himself a bit of space before smashing the ball low into the net, through a crowd of players.
Unfortunately, the Old Boys were not able to fully capitalise on their excellent start. Some of the passing and decision making was not quite up to scratch and, although dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Bury were not able to add to their lead before half time.
With Heaton a virtual spectator in net and Jon Lowe and Tariq Sheikh dealing comfortably with any attacking threat, The Old Boys were asked to be more composed and patient in possession.
The second half saw Bury finally take complete control of the match as they responded to the captain’s team talk. The ball was moved quickly and effectively, with Matthews the focal point of many attacking moves.
Bury extended their lead ten minutes into the second half, when Xander Robinson finished off an excellent team move. With Lowe, Todd, Hillary and Cooke all involved the ball was worked from a tight spot in the corner into the Urmston ‘D.’ Showing excellent composure, Robinson lifted the ball past the advancing keeper, giving Bury a two goal cushion.
The Old Boys looked to increase their lead and looked dangerous on numerous occasions. Cooke came the closest as he tried a cheeky deflected finished which the Urmston keeper did well to save at point blank range. With Waywell, Matthews, Hillary and Foster all going close, the Old Boys were well on top.
When the third goal did arrive, it was Matthews again who provided the finish. This time he was on hand to slot the ball home after Waywell had crashed a reverse stick shot off the bar. Robinson then completed the scoring from a Bury short corner. Displaying fine anticipation the winger pounced on an effort that had been parried by the Urmston keeper, and was rewarded with a simple finish into the bottom corner.
Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, J.Lowe, S. Sheikh, McManus, Hillary, Matthews, Foster, Robinson, Waywell, Cooke, C. Lowe, Todd, Berry, Fernando
MOM: Matthews
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Old Boys Back On Track
Ormskirk II.....0
BGSOB............2
Bury returned to winning ways on Saturday as they produced a confident performance to see off Ormskirk, moving them level on points at the top of the table.
The opening ten minutes produced some scrappy hockey with both teams turning the ball over frequently. However, as Bury settled into their rhythm, they began to produce excellent passing hockey and fashioned numerous attacking moves.
The Bury back three were providing an excellent base for the team with both Lowe and Tariq Sheikh producing solid performances and using the ball well to start wave after wave of attacks.
Despite their possession and passing, Bury’s lack of width meant that the game was very cramped and any chances created were being smothered by a packed home defence. When the Old Boys did produce clear-cut chances, they found the Ormskirk keeper in good form.
At half time Bury knew that if they were to capitalise on their territorial dominance, they needed to stretch the home defence down the flanks.
With Matthews expertly pulling the strings in midfield, The Old Boys took complete control of the second half. Robinson and Foster provided excellent width allowing Wright and Hillary to supplement the attack with additional numbers as Bury produced chance after chance.
Ainscow and Waywell both fired wide, Matthews and Sameer Sheikh were both denied by the keeper and Foster was twice close to connecting with crosses at the far post.
Eventually, as the game entered the final ten minutes, The Old Boys made the break through. Hillary took a free hit from the edge of the ‘D,’ firing the ball goal wards. Ainscow was on hand to deftly deflect the ball past the keeper from close range, claiming his second goal in two appearances.
Minutes later, Bury were two to the good as Waywell produced a moment of individual magic. Receiving the ball inside his own half, the Bury front man went on a powerful run down the left wing. He rode several challenges on his way to the ‘D,’ before slotting the ball past the stranded keeper from the narrowest of angles.
Although happy with the final result, The Old Boys must still work on finishing the numerous chances that they are creating in order to keep pace at the top of the league.
Squad: Heaton, J. Lowe, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Foster, Robinson, Wright, Hillary, Matthews, Waywell, Chandler, Todd, Ainscow.
MOM: Foster
BGSOB............2
Bury returned to winning ways on Saturday as they produced a confident performance to see off Ormskirk, moving them level on points at the top of the table.
The opening ten minutes produced some scrappy hockey with both teams turning the ball over frequently. However, as Bury settled into their rhythm, they began to produce excellent passing hockey and fashioned numerous attacking moves.
The Bury back three were providing an excellent base for the team with both Lowe and Tariq Sheikh producing solid performances and using the ball well to start wave after wave of attacks.
Despite their possession and passing, Bury’s lack of width meant that the game was very cramped and any chances created were being smothered by a packed home defence. When the Old Boys did produce clear-cut chances, they found the Ormskirk keeper in good form.
At half time Bury knew that if they were to capitalise on their territorial dominance, they needed to stretch the home defence down the flanks.
With Matthews expertly pulling the strings in midfield, The Old Boys took complete control of the second half. Robinson and Foster provided excellent width allowing Wright and Hillary to supplement the attack with additional numbers as Bury produced chance after chance.
Ainscow and Waywell both fired wide, Matthews and Sameer Sheikh were both denied by the keeper and Foster was twice close to connecting with crosses at the far post.
Eventually, as the game entered the final ten minutes, The Old Boys made the break through. Hillary took a free hit from the edge of the ‘D,’ firing the ball goal wards. Ainscow was on hand to deftly deflect the ball past the keeper from close range, claiming his second goal in two appearances.
Minutes later, Bury were two to the good as Waywell produced a moment of individual magic. Receiving the ball inside his own half, the Bury front man went on a powerful run down the left wing. He rode several challenges on his way to the ‘D,’ before slotting the ball past the stranded keeper from the narrowest of angles.
Although happy with the final result, The Old Boys must still work on finishing the numerous chances that they are creating in order to keep pace at the top of the league.
Squad: Heaton, J. Lowe, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Foster, Robinson, Wright, Hillary, Matthews, Waywell, Chandler, Todd, Ainscow.
MOM: Foster
