Bury Grammar School Old Boys Hockey Club

NEW CLUB WEBSITE

2010-08-12T00:00:00.002+01:00

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Hockey Club now has a new website. Please visit:

www.pitchero.com/clubs/burygrammarschoololdboyshockeyclub

for all the latest news and match reports.

A Tribute To Tenacious D – Teamwork

2010-03-06T22:54:00.000Z

Blackpool... 2
BGSOB.......2
Fidler
Matthews

For the second time this season, Blackpool failed to take advantage of a weakened Bury team, as The Old Boys showed their steel and determination on Saturday.

When these teams first met this season, Bury were missing the talismanic Fidler, but still gained a one all draw, limiting Blackpool to a goal from a penalty stroke. For this second meeting, it seemed a lot worse for The Old Boys. Midfield dynamo McManus was still absent, with Larmett, having played well at Bolton last week, also unavailable. Added to this was the absence of the injured Stoneman and the still Poland based Todd, as well as the versatile Daley. Finally, with the late, but not unexpected, withdrawal of Baxter, the Bury team was looking short on midfield and defensive cover – the four subs they did bring were all attack minded players. With Foster not one hundred per cent, the only bright spot was the welcome return of Roebuck, after a year away.

The first half was an even affair with both teams attacking whenever possible. In terms of clear cut chances Bury edged it, as they tested the Blackpool keeper more often. Fidler, Matthews and Cooke were linking well and Hillary and Roebuck provided support to both attack and defence from midfield.

It was top scorer Fidler who, almost inevitably, opened the scoring. Blackpool’s tactic of marking him with three players only seemed to spur the Bury man on as he ploughed his way through stick tackles and body checks. As another attack was mounted Roebuck brought a fine double save from the Blackpool keeper, but Fidler was there to pounce on the rebound and smash it home.

Then, hero turned to villain with a somewhat over-zealous tackle on a Blackpool forward. Whilst the tackle probably merited the yellow card it received, the aggressive reaction of Blackpool player Mortimer, who threw two Bury players to the floor was dangerously close to earning him a red card. As it was both players went off, until a minute before half time.

Bury went in to half time one goal up, and were looking to consolidate their lead. However, an enforced change saw Roebuck on the sideline at the start of the second half. With attacking players now sharing defensive midfield duties, Blackpool were able to gain the upper hand in terms of possession and chances. An inspired Heaton produced two quality saves, before Blackpool took advantage of an overstretched defence to supply Blakemore with an open net. Having fired his previous efforts off -target the Blackpool front man was able to bring his team level.

Ten minutes later, Blackpool pounced on a wayward pass to engineer another opening, which was slotted home with a well-directed shot into the corner. With fifteen minutes remaining the Blackpool celebrations were a sight to behold. Unfortunately, for the home side, Roebuck’s return to the fray and Tariq Sheikh’s inspirational words during a stoppage, led to renewed Bury pressure. The Blackpool keeper now pulled of two top class saves from Matthews and Fidler, denied Cooke on the goal line and saw Ainscow millimetres away from converting a Fidler cross-shot at the far post. Bury also had a goal disallowed. Following Blackpool appeals, the umpires converged and rightfully disallowed the goal for a foot earlier in the build up. When Matthews fired a short corner inches over the bar, it looked as if the equaliser would not come.

Finally, The Old Boys got their deserved reward for the effort and work rate. A short corner was miss-trapped at the top of the ’D’. However, Mortimer followed through with his defensive run and floored Hillary. Another good piece of joint umpiring saw Mortimer threatened with the possibility of a second yellow card, and Bury awarded another short corner.

This time The Old Boys made it count. Matthews took responsibility, beautifully dummied the defensive runner and lashed yet another screaming short corner into the bottom corner of the net. Stunning.

There was still time for another Blackpool player to see yellow, as Blakemore went off following one tirade too many at the umpires, as his frustration boiled over following another immaculately timed interception from Hillary.

All in all, this was two good teams playing some excellent hockey with a fair result, showing why they are both at the top end of the table. Finally, a word to the umpires, who showed great communication skills to ensure that all the major decisions were called correctly.

Bury Take Derby Honours

2010-02-27T21:27:00.000Z

Bolton VI.......1
BGSOB..........6
Fidler (3)
Cooke
Matthews
Hillary

The Old Boys secured their first ever double against Bolton and their first win at Harper Green since 2005, with a six-one victory on Saturday.

Missing the injured Stoneman and the absent McManus, Todd and Wright the Old Boys were still able to take a squad of fifteen, with James Larmett making a welcome reappearance.

Bolton started the game the brighter of the two sides, taking the game to the league leaders with some good early pressure. However, the Old Boys got into their rhythm and started to produce their trademark passing hockey. The opening goal though, came from a superb solo run from Hillary. Collecting the ball in midfield Hillary set off down the left wing, beating several men and reaching the by-line. With the keeper rushing out, the midfielder had the presence of mind to take it past him and score with an excellent lifted finish.

Soon after, Bury had doubled their advantage from a well-worked penalty corner. A double shift saw the ball returned to Matthews who picked his slot and reached double figures for the season.
Bury couldn’t relax however as Bolton were winning penalty corners of their own, and managed to halve the deficit when one was deflected in off a defensive stick.

The game was developing into an interesting match, with both sides asking questions. It was Bury though who grabbed the vital next goal, restoring their two-goal advantage before half time. Fidler received the ball on the edge of the ‘D’ with his back to goal. Creating space for the shot, the striker then produced a sublime chipped reverse stick effort, giving Bury some breathing space.

The second half started in much the same fashion, with Bolton mounting attacks down the flanks. Again, though, Bury held firm and launched into their own attacking hockey. Following a disallowed goal, that was turned into a short corner, the Old Boys extended their lead through Cooke. With the initial strike being saved the Bury front man once again displayed his predatory instincts by lifting home the rebound.

Arguably, the fifth Bury goal rivalled Fidler’s first for goal of the game. Tariq Sheikh won the ball on his own by-line and started a move which went from ‘D’ to ‘D.’ The ball was eventually delivered to Cooke in the Bolton ‘D,’ who was closed down by the keeper. Unselfishly Cooke squared the ball to Fidler, who had the relatively simple task of applying the finish.

With the final touch of the game, Fidler sealed his hat-trick and bagged his twenty seventh goal of the season. Finding himself one on one with the keeper, Fidler coolly applied the finishing touch to another flowing passing move.

Bury are now three points clear of Leigh and six points clear of Blackpool (who have a game in hand), as they take on the second and third placed teams in the next two weeks.

Resurgent Bowdon Brushed Aside By Bury

2010-02-06T22:23:00.000Z

BGSOB 8-1 Bowden
Fidler
McManus (2)
Berry
Foster
Matthews (2)
Hillary

Bowdon arrived at Parrenthorn on Saturday on the back of two good results, with a much more experienced team than the one which had shipped thirteen goals in the reverse fixture. However, The Old Boys were in scintillating form as they put together some fine passing play, creating chance after chance as they peppered the Bowdon goal.

The game started well for the home side as Fidler once again found the net early on. Just two minutes had passed when the Bury striker received a short corner with time and space. Making no mistake, Fidler lashed in another trademark exocet, which threatened to shatter the backboard.

The Old Boys had doubled their lead a mere two minutes later as McManus finally found the goal that had eluded him all season. Another short corner found McManus at the near post area, and the midfielder was able to break his duck for the season.

More good play followed from the home team, with everyone looking confident in possession. This led to arguably their best goal of the season as a flowing move ended with a sublime one-two between Fidler and Cooke, which gave Berry time and space to pick his spot.

With half time approaching the Old Boys put the game beyond any doubt as McManus got his second. Yet again the midfielder was in the right place during the penalty corner routine, squeezing the ball home to double his tally for the season.

The second half saw further pressure applied to the Bowdon goal, resulting in four more excellent finishes. Firstly, Andrew Foster was on hand to slot an excellent finish in at the near post as the lead was extended to five.

Not to be outdone by his team-mates, Dave Matthews then stepped up to show case his penalty corner skills. Another lethal strike, from the left of the ‘D,’ displayed Matthews’s unerring accuracy as he finished a short corner with just millimetres to spare.

This was then followed up by an audacious penalty corner routine, which left the visiting defence wrong footed and allowed Matthews to flick home yet another excellent finish.

The scoring was rounded off by Ian Hillary, who clinically dispatched a Fidler cut back, firing the ball into the bottom corner, before the keeper could move.

Bowdon claimed a consolation goal following a poor clearance from Sameer Sheikh, as they took advantage of a three vs two situation to score with their only shot of the game.

Fabulously Irrepressible Flowing Teamwork Easily Eviscerates Nemesis

2010-01-30T22:19:00.000Z

Lytham 0
BGSOB 4
Fidler (2)
Cooke (2)

The Old Boys produced an emphatic return to form on Saturday as they crushed a Lytham side that had been producing some positive results in the last few weeks.

The game started in fantastic fashion for Bury as they took the lead a mere fifteen seconds into the game. This achievement was even more remarkable as Lytham had taken the opening push back. From the initial pass back Hillary applied pressure and intercepted the second pass. He quickly fed Fidler who was given far too much space in the ‘D.’ The prolific striker then unleashed a thunderous shot which crashed into the far corner, before the goalkeeper had time to even move.

With such a start, the Old Boys had a fantastic platform, and went on to produce an awesome display of hockey. Tireless running from the midfield and wingbacks, solid defence from the back three and a level of creativity up front that bamboozled the home defence.

Within fifteen minutes, the Old Boys had bagged their second. A stunning move from right to left involving Berry, McManus, Hillary and Matthews saw the ball delivered to Fidler. His beautifully weighted ball found Foster in acres of space on the right of the ‘D.’ The wingback produced a precise ball into Cooke, who appeared to be penned in near the by line. Somehow, the forward managed to pivot and flick the ball past the keeper, applying a beautiful finish to an awesome move.

Bury, playing with freedom and confidence, then dominated the rest of the half. Lowe, Stoneman, Heaton and captain Tariq Sheikh provided a solid base, which was tested just twice in the half. Heaton kicked one cross clear and dealt easily with a loose through ball.

At the other end, The Old Boys ripped through the home defence at will. With Chris Lowe’s intelligent running and Xander Robinson’s mesmerising wing play, every player was contributing to the attacking threat. Chances were created time after time and in truth, but for some outstanding goalkeeping, the visitors should have been eight nil up by half time. The only down side was the increasingly physical nature of the game, a theme which was to continue in the second half, with some outrageous fouls.

Lytham tried hard to get back into the game in the second half, but despite all their pressure they couldn’t really test Heaton. Lytham were awarded several short corners, but could only test Heaton twice, as the Bury defence smothered the routines with their well drilled defence.

Bury sealed the game with two more fine efforts. Fidler netted the third with a venomous shot from the top of the ‘D’. Such was the power of the shot, the keeper got a full blocker to it, but couldn’t stop the ball from flying into the net.

The final goal, demonstrated Cooke’s finishers instincts as he deftly deflected Fidler’s rasping pass beyond the stranded keeper. The goal, whilst looking simple, displayed great touch and fantastic understanding between the two players.

Bury move nine points clear at the top of the division, however they cannot relax as Leigh have a game in hand, whilst Blackpool have two. Added to that is Bolton’s inclusion in the promotion race, which should all add up to an interesting finale as all four teams meet towards the end of the season.

We Could Still Be Playing Now And It Would Still Be One All!

2010-01-16T22:17:00.000Z

Morecambe 1
BGSOB 1
Fidler

Despite their best effort’s the Old Boys missed out on a victory over Morecambe on Saturday. A much stronger Morecambe side was sent out against Bury in this return fixture, and their intentions were clear as they started to play some excellent passing hockey, making a total mockery of their lowly league position.

However, it was the visitors who created the best chances in the first ten minutes, playing good hockey of their own. The best chance fell to Fidler, but an unfortunate bobble saw his shot fly over. The game developed into a well matched contest, with both sides stringing passing moves together. The Bury defence was holding firm however, limiting Morecambe to one scrambled effort at the near post; whilst the visitors were creating openings at the other end, despite the best efforts of Morecambe’s new look defence.

However, it was the home side who struck first. A neat passing move found a forward in space in the ‘D’, after creating room for a near post shot, he became the first player to score in open play against Bury, despite the efforts of Heaton and Sheikh on the line.

With typical resolve Bury, didn’t panic, but merely returned to their passing hockey. Within minutes they were level, as Fidler squeezed in his twenty first of the season at the near post.

The second half saw wave after wave of Bury pressure, as the visitors looked for the win. Morecambe did threaten on occasion but never really stretched Heaton in open play again. Having said that, they did try to claim another two goals. Firstly a short corner that hit Jonny Lowe at shoulder height as it flew into the top corner, and then following a long corner straight into the ‘D,’ a Morecambe forward lifted the deflected cross-shot in front of the keeper’s face, before back heading it in. Needless to say the scores remained level.

In the last twenty minutes, Bury created a plethora of chances. Cooke, Fidler, Matthews, Stoneman and Foster all had opportunities as the Old Boys twice hit the post and forced numerous saves and near misses. Finally Bury had the ball in the net. A looping reverse stick effort from Fidler found the far right hand side of the net, seemingly giving Bury the points. However, moments early the umpires whistle had blown to award the Old Boys a short corner. No complaints about the decision, no one could have forseen Fidler’s awesome finish.

Although maintaining Bury’s top place position, and ultimately being a good display following five weeks of inactivity, Bury will know they should have taken the three points.

Five Star Performance Destroys Didsbury

2009-12-12T22:10:00.000Z

BGSOB 5-0 Didsbury
Fidler (4)
Ainscow

The Old Boys went into the Christmas break on another high note as they eased past Didsbury, ensuring that they remain five points clear at the top of the table.

With both sides agreeing to start early, the Old Boys were frustrated to find that they had to wait until five minutes after the original start time to begin the game. Bury were then dumbfounded by the visitors decision to start with their captain on the bench. All in all, it is not surprising then that it took ten minutes for the Old Boys to settle into their fine passing rhythm.

With Hopwood switching to a central role, Bury began to take a strangle-hold on the game. Hopwood, Matthews, Hillary, Fidler and Cooke all linked well and were ably supported out wide by Foster and Berry, as well as Robinson and McManus later on. With Didsbury offering little forward threat the Old Boys were camped inside the Didsbury half for much of the first period. Several short corners were won, with the visiting keeper having to pull off a number of fine stops.

Half way through the half, Bury thought they had edged in front when McManus tapped in. However, the goal was then ruled out, as the ball had struck a foot on the way into the ‘D.’ No matter. Within a couple of minutes, The Old Boys had found the net again. A short corner was flicked by Hopwood resulting in another fine save, however there was little the keeper could do as Fidler pounced on the rebound and drilled the ball into the backboard.

With Didsbury looking disjointed, Bury looked to push on. Before half time they had doubled their lead as Ainscow grabbed his first of the season. A fine team move saw the ball find its way to Ainscow at the left hand side of the ‘D.’ With the keeper bearing down on him, the young striker expertly found the bottom corner with a cool finish. At half time, Bury were asked to finish the game off by captain Tariq Sheikh. The team listened to the request. As McManus slotted in at centre back and Foster returned to his regular position on the right, the home side came out strong in the second half. Special mention must go to Andy Foster who, having suffered with flu all week, was still able to put in his usual excellent performance.

Didsbury made more inroads to the home defence after the break, but were still unable to fully test Heaton. In the entire game Heaton stopped one short corner and had a single one-on-one challenge.

Luke Fidler grabbed the third Bury goal early in the second period. The ball was hammered into the ‘D’ and Fidler was in position to deflect the ball with a deft touch. A fortuitous ricochet off a Didsbury defender ensured the ball found the back of the net.

If that goal had a touch of luck about it, there was no doubting the excellence of the next two efforts. The game was sealed by two more Fidler strikes, taking his total to twenty for the season. Both were reverse stick efforts, one defying the laws of physics to squeeze through an impossibly small gap at the near post and the second finding the far bottom corner.

The Old Boys had come into this clash expecting a difficult game. With Stoneman suspended and Jonny Lowe injured, the Bury back line was stretched to its limit. Fine performances from Todd and later McManus ensured the good standard of previous games was maintained. The pace, passing, team work and work rate of the Bury team was simply too much for the visitors.

Bury Go Five Points Clear

2009-12-05T22:04:00.000Z

BGSOB 4-0 Formby
Matthews
Berry
Robinson
Fidler

The Old Boys moved five points clear at the top of division nine as they maintained their good form against Formby, whilst Leigh and Blackpool drew. The result was achieved without the suspended Chris Stoneman following his disputed red card against Leigh.

This was an intriguing game as Formby set out with a clear plan to defend deep and then try to hit Bury with their pace and movement. This led to a tight first half, with relatively few chances. Formby had two short corners, and Heaton was called on to kick two other through balls clear. Whilst the Old Boys created openings they didn’t really cause the visiting keeper too many problems.

Shortly before half time, Bury were awarded a short corner. Dave Matthews stepped up and again, for the second consecutive week, unleashed a blistering strike, which went in despite the best efforts of the defender on the line.

Bury were looking for improved passing and movement in the second half, and they duly delivered. Forcing the play, the home team were able to create more openings in the second period, as they began to use the wide players more effectively. It was one the wing backs who grabbed the second goal, as Berry found the far corner with a precise finish. Having been well found by Matthews, Berry made no mistake in sending the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner.

The Old Boys couldn’t relax however as Formby were still threatening, and demonstrated why they had scored in every game this season with their skilful midfield and forward play. Bury wrapped the points up with two late goals as the visitors pressed.

Firstly, Xander Robinson was on hand at the far post to score on his return to action. Good play down the right hand side saw the ball delivered into Fidler who unselfishly played the ball to Cooke and Robinson at the far post. It was Robinson who applied the finish, sweeping in from close range.

With seconds to go, Fidler maintained his record of scoring in every game with a neat finish past the keeper. Chris Lowe and Tariq Sheikh combined well down the right, resulting in a cheeky aerial, which was fired into the ‘D’ by Lowe. Fidler controlled the ball and calmly placed it past the keeper to seal the win.

Full credit to Formby, as this was probably not a four nil game. At least, however, it was played in superb spirit backed up by impressive umpiring form both officials. This moves Bury five points clear, with a home game against Didsbury remaining before the Christmas break.

Perfect Result In Much Anticipated Table-topping Encounter

2009-11-28T22:00:00.000Z

Leigh 1
BGSOB 3
Fidler
Cooke
Matthews

The Old Boys moved three points clear at the top of the division with a hard fought victory over Leigh on Saturday.

This was always going to be a close game between two unbeaten teams and so it proved, as both teams went in search of the win. Leigh struck first, as The Old Boys went behind for the first time this season. Having cleared one short corner, the next was well worked round the runners and finished from the penalty spot via the arm of Captain Tariq Sheikh.

Bury refused to panic however, and went about playing their usual passing game. Within five minutes, the visitors had drawn level, through top scorer Fidler. Yet again, Fidler received the ball just outside the D, and left three defenders in his wake, dispatching the ball with clinical precision before the keeper could move.

The remainder of the half saw both tems pressing for goals. But, despite Leigh's pressure down both flanks, Heaton was left untested. With Bury's midfield working tirelessly, despite missing McManus, the Leigh attacks were broken up and wave after wave of counter attacks were launched.

With the score still level at half time, both teams flew out of the blocks in the second half. However, it was the visitors who made the most of their chances. A sweeping move ended with a near post shot being saved by the Leigh keeper. Matt Cooke was the quickest to react, showing true striker's instincts, and applied the finish that gave Bury the vital second goal.

With pretty much their very next attack, Leigh were then awarded a hotly contested penalty flick as the Leigh striker backed into Heaton. It was to prove a decisive moment. The flick cannoned off the post, much to the undisguised delight of the Bury players.

What followed was a succession of six short corners for Leigh. And yet despite being presented with all these opportunites they could not find the net. True there were tests. Sameer Sheikh, Foster and Tariq Shiekh all blocked one each and Heaton pulled off two vital saves.

With five minutes remaining, the result was sealed. Matthews, who was a doubt before push back, capped a fine performance with a lethal penalty corner. Travelling like the proverbial exocet, the ball crashed into the boards via (or should I say through) a defender's stick.

All in all this was an awesome performance from Bury. Steel, determination, sheer will power and no lack of skill. Everyone deserves a mention from defence to attack. Penetro Cerberus Os. (yes I did just type that - I'll take next week's DOD now!)

A Titantic Clash

2009-11-21T21:51:00.000Z

BGSOB 1-1 Blackpool
C. Lowe

The two teams with 100 per cent records in division nine met each other on Saturday and produced an epic encounter. Bury were missing top scorer Luke Fiddler as well as a host of other players, meaning they could only field two subs.

Both sides were looking to attack from the off, with good approach play but chances, for the first fifteen minutes, were at a premium. A Blackpool short corner passed harmlessly with a shot that was over backboard height, and the Bury defence stifled the visitors whenever they reached the circle. This changed however when Blackpool brought on Steven Whitley, who demonstrated all his first team experience to influence the play.

Blackpool now created four chances in quick succession, but keeper Heaton demonstrated why he hasn't conceded in open play this season. Bury gave as good as they got and Chris Lowe came very close to giving the home side the lead shortly before half time. Added to narrow misses from Cooke and numerous balls flashed across the D, the nil nil half time scoreline was probably fair.

The second half saw Bury take the initiative, with good passing movements that stretched the Blackpool defence. Eventually, Bury got their reward as a well worked move saw Matthews draw the keeper and slip the ball to Chris Lowe, who's intelligent run had left him free at the far post. A simple finish saw the home side take the advantage. Blackpool tried to hit back, again with Whitley the focus of their play. However Heaton remained largely untroubled as the defence held firm despite severe pressure.

Berry, Stoneman, McManus, Foster, Hillary, Matthews and Ainscow provided midfield cover as the back three of Lowe, and Tariq and Sameer Sheikh all helped to repel attacks before shots could find their way goalwards. Eventually, Whitley found himself one on one with Sameer Sheikh in the D. As the Blackpool striker went over, a flick was awarded. Even this though was nearly saved by Heaton, as he got a blocker to the shot but cruelly saw the back spin take the ball over the line.

Blackpool pushed for the winner and Foster had to bravely block a short corner, before Bury had the ball in the net from a short corner at full time, only for the whistle to have gone for a stick tackle during the first stage of the corner.

All in all a good game, featuring some excellent hockey, although Bury may be slightly happier given the stretched nature of their squad.

Derby Joy For Bury

2009-11-14T15:58:00.000Z

BGSOB 4-1 Bolton
Hillary
Fidler (2)
Cooke

The Old Boys maintined their excellent start to the season with a dominant victory over Bolton.

Bury struck first in the opening three minutes, as Ian Hillary received a short corner and found the net despite heavy defensive pressure. The Old Boys were buoyed by this excellent start and doubled their advantage with less than fifteen minutes played.

Luke Fidler continued his excellent goal scoring form as he found the net from close range, following a scramble in the circle. Bury then proceeded to dominate the remainder of the half playing some of their best hockey of the season.

Measured passing and controlled possession, coupled with intelligent running and superb work rate saw Bolton on the back foot for most of the half. When keeper Heaton was called into action, he was alert enough to turn a rising shot over the bar, as Bolton finally found a way through the home defence.

For the first fifteen minutes of the second half the game was more evenly balanced and Bolton managed to halve the deficit through a short corner of their own, this was the first goal the Old Boys have conceded all season.

However, this goal only served to galvanise Bury who soon got back into their rhythm. Following the best passing move of the match down the left wing, involving Matthews, Berry and Cooke, the ball was delivered to Fidler who netted his fourteenth goal of the season.

The scoring was finished off by Cooke who found room at the far post, and finished another move that had started down the left wing. This was a deserved reward for Cooke who had played an important role in all the Bury goals.

This was an impressive performance from The Old Boys, who remain second in the division with a game in hand, trailing by only a point. Next week sees the visit of Blackpool to Parenthorn, who are third in the table and also have a hundred per cent record.

Old Boys Maintain Top Spot

2009-10-31T15:53:00.000Z

BGSOB 3-0 Lytham St. Annes
Fidler (2)
Matthews

The Old Boys maintained their one hundred per cent start to the season with a three-nil win over Lytham St. Annes.

After a two week break between fixtures the Old Boys showed no signs of rustiness as they started well and made all the early running. With pressure on the Lytham defence mounting, Dave Matthews pounced on a rebound producing a perfect finish into the side netting with a reverse stick shot.

The visitors did produce moments of good play, but the Bury defence held firm and keeper Heaton was rarely called into action during the first thirty five minutes. As the half progressed, The Old Boys made an increasing number of chances and doubled their lead shortly before half time.

Leading scorer Fidler fired another spectacular reverse stick shot, this time finding the bottom right hand corner. The opening fifteen minutes of the second half saw Lytham apply great pressure to the home defence, and Heaton was called into action; firstly saving when one on one, and then turning over a deflected short corner.

The reintroduction of Fidler and Cooke, together with Matthews saw the Old Boys resume control of the game. The result was put beyond doubt when Fidler hit another reverse stick effort, which was deflected past the visiting keeper. This gave Fidler his twelfth goal in four games.

Bury have now won all four of their opening matches and have done so without conceding a goal, whilst scoring thirty of their own. They face another break next week, before taking on local rivals Bolton at Parenthorn.

Bury Hit New Record Score

2009-10-10T15:49:00.000+01:00

Bowdon 0
BGSOB 13
Fidler (5)
C. Lowe (2)
Matthews (2)
Cooke (2)
Chandler
Hillary

The Old Boys recorded their highest ever victory on Saturday as, for the second week running, they notched double figures. The score-line is somewhat deceptive as Bowdon, particularly in the second half, mounted dangerous counter attacks with good speed and skill. However the damage had been done in the first half as Bury clinically converted the majority of their chances.

The scoring was opened by Chris Lowe and by the tenth minute Bury had netted three goals, with Fidler and Matthews getting on the score sheet. This set the tone for much of the half as The Old Boys created and took numerous chances to go in at half time with a nine goal lead.

The second half saw Bowdon fight back strongly and reduce some of Bury’s attacking threat, however The Old Boys managed to find the net a further four times.

In total Fidler scored five, Chris Lowe, Dave Matthews and Matt Cooke each netted twice with Nathan Chandler and Ian Hillary rounding off the scoring. Highlights included Fiddler's first, a reverse stick effort from the edge of the circle, surrounded by three players, and still finding the bottom corner. Cooke's second from a well worked short corner and Matthews double, the first a prime example of playing to the whistle and the second an unstoppable short corner strike.

Bury will be happy with much of their build up play and clinical finishing, but now face the frustration of a two week break before their next fixture at home, a tricky tie against Lytham.

Winning Ways Continue For Bury

2009-10-03T15:45:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 11-0 Morecambe
Fidler (4)
Foster (3)
C. Lowe (2)
Matthews
Berry

The Old Boys continued their good early season form by cruising to a victory over a much weakened Morecambe side. With one player missing and one half-injured, the visitors were always going to be up against it, and so it proved as Bury took a five-nil half time lead.

The pick of the first half goals being Andy Foster’s second, as he controlled a difficult, bouncing ball from Jonny Lowe before slotting the ball home. The second half saw six further goals, including another one out of the top drawer from Fiddler.

All in all Fiddler grabbed four, Foster ‘bagged’ a hat-trick, Chris Lowe opened his Old Boys account with two and Berry and Matthews got one a piece. A

ll credit must go to Morecambe, who played with great spirit in a difficult situation. The Old Boys are fully aware that when they make the trip up to Morecambe, this game will have a vastly different score-line.

Bury move on to face the challenge of Bowdon next weekend, as they try to maintain their excellent form.

Solid Start in Div 9

2009-09-26T15:39:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 3-0 Didsbury
Robinson
Matthews (PS)
Fidler

The Old Boys made a winning start to life in division nine, with what was ultimately a comfortable win over old foes Didsbury. Both teams had come up from ten north last season and thus knew each other well and a tight game was anticipated.

The match produced a nervous opening for the Bury back line as a Didsbury striker broke clear on goal. Had he squared the ball to his strike partner, who had an open net, Didsbury wouold have been one up. However, Heaton made an excellent challenge and the resulting half saved shot dribbled harmlessly wide. Following this wake up call Bury spent the remainder of the half putting pressure on the Didsbury goal.

Mid-way through the half, following a string of short and long corners, The Old Boys made the break through. After an initial short corner was cleared, a right wing cross was fired into the circle. The resulting melee saw the ball arrive at the far post, where Xander Robinson coolly lifted the ball into the net, giving Bury the lead.

Soon after, with Bury again mounting sustained pressure, a Didsbury defender had to kick the ball off the line. Dave Matthews stepped up and fired the stroke expertly passed the keeper.

The second half followed much the same vein as the first, with Bury encamped in the Didsbury half. On numerous occasions the ball was fired across the circle, with only the finishing touch at the far post missing. In addition some goal-line clearances from keeper and defenders, helped to frustrate the visitors as they searched for the killer goal.

With ten minutes remaining, Didsbury launched an attack which culminated in eight successive short corners. However, Heaton was only forced into action once as the Bury short corner defence held firm.

With seconds remaining Luke Fiddler put the icing on the cake with a glorious effort from the top of the circle. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, Fiddler engineered space for himself before lashing an unstoppable stirke into the top corner.

All in all, this was a good start, and Bury now move on to face Morecambe at Parenthorn next week.

Pre-Season Results

2009-09-05T09:04:00.006+01:00

Westleigh..... 2
BGSOB..........7
Cooke (2)
Stoneman
Matthews
Berry
Ainscow
Hodbod

Liverpool Sefton.....4
BGSOB.................4
Fiddler (3)
Cooke

Lymm 3s.........1
BGSOB...........3
Berry
Matthews
Foster

BGSOB 6-0 Sale 2s
Fiddler (3)
Matthews
Berry
Ainscow

Awards and Comedy moments

2009-04-21T16:03:00.002+01:00

Committee Player of the Year : Dave Matthews
Players' Player of the Year: Tariq Sheikh
Young Player of the Year: James Berry
Goal of the Season: Xander vs Urmston
Vinnie Jones Foul of the Season award: Paddy vs Urmston
The Hopwood Academy Award for Excellence: Mike Daley - two games four goals.
Non-Goal of the Season: Andy v Preston/Taz v Sefton

Facts and Figures:
P18; W14; D1; L3; F51; A14; Dif37; Pts43

Top Goal Scorers (league goals):
Joe Ainscow 12
Matt Cooke 11
Mark Waywell 8

Comedy Moments:

Sam and Ian both falling on their arses against Ormskirk with no player within 10 yards

Mark's stick entering the orbit of Saturn as he disagreed with Paddy against Ormskirk

Jonny's 'pass' to Sam vs Trinity

"Just pass it to Jacky!!"

Andy's spectacular fall vs Preston, again with no one near him!

Jonny moving in field vs Keswick despite Sam yelling 'Stay there!' about fifty times.

Joe's hat-trick goal against Prescot

Ian's 'tackle' v Urmston

The entire trip to Lancaster

The total karma of Bolton away, lightning does strike twice.

The birth of the official Rimmer fan club at Keswick

Toddy's awesome diving tackle on 'God'

Toddy's one man barricade on the line v Keswick

Dave Heaton battering everything that moved in the D, including Mark vs Sefton

That's all for now, more to come when i think of them.....

Really Inspired Northern Grit Ensures Runners-up Spot

2009-03-28T21:22:00.000Z

Urmston V......1
BGSOB ...........2
Wright
Ainscow

The Old Boys cemented second place with a narrow victory over Urmston in the final game of the season on Saturday.

Missing top scorer Cooke, and midfielders McManus and Todd the Old Boys were able to give some younger players pitch time as they looked to see out the season in a positive fashion.

With Urmston attacking down the middle of the pitch using two very skilful central midfielders, Bury were able to exploit the wider areas early on as Berry and Foster continually found room on either flank.

However, despite all their good play the Old Boys were unable to find the net. Urmston were able to capitalise and launch more attacks of their own leading to a series of short corners, following the excellent dribbling skills of their number 45 . Heaton pulled off an excellent save, and the defence stood firm to deny Urmston an opening goal.

From one of these failed short corners, Bury mounted a stunning counter attack. Sheikh found Powers with a quick ball, just inside the Urmston half. Powers, showing superb awareness touched the ball onto Matthews as the Old Boys created a three on two situation. Matthews’s ball into the ‘D’ eventually found Wright at the far post, who rolled in a composed finish.

The start of the second half saw some over-confidence from Bury as a slack ball from Sameer Sheikh presented Urmston with a chance. They couldn’t capitalise however as the resulting shot was blasted wide of the goal from close range.

Moments later though, the home team had found their equaliser with a well worked set piece.

This setback simply kick-started Bury who once again started to attack. Eventually the winning goal was provided by Ainscow, who fired home a reverse stick shot whilst under heavy pressure from a defender.

As tempers frayed and both teams had men carded, the Bury defence held firm to secure what should prove to be a promotion place.

Squad: Heaton, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, J. Lowe, Berry, Foster, Matthews, Wright, Hillary, Ainscow, Powers, McCracken, Robinson, Fernando.

Old Boys Move a Point Closer

2009-03-21T21:20:00.000Z

Keswick III 0-0 BGSOB

Bury sealed a hard fought point away to Keswick which virtually guarantees a second place finish for the Old Boys.

In truth Bury should have made more of their chances as they dominated possession but failed to follow up on last week’s eight goal haul against Prescot.

Keswick defended doggedly and were always a threat with their pace on the counter attack, but it was Bury who created the better opportunities, however they simply couldn’t find the net.

Matthews, Hillary and McManus once again provided the excellent midfield play which linked attack and defence, and strong games from Jonny Lowe and skipper Tariq Sheikh meant the Old Boys were rarely threatened.

Berry, Foster and Robinson were once again superb on the wings as Bury tried to force home their territorial dominance in the second half.

Ainscow,Powers and Baxter carried good attacking threat, however it was simply always going to be one of those days were Bury seemed destined not to find the net.

Squad: Heaton, J. Lowe, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, Foster, Robinson, McManus, Matthews, Hillary, Ainscow, Powers, Berry, Todd, Fernando, Baxter.

MOM: Berry

Old Boys One Step Closer

2009-03-15T21:15:00.000Z

Prescot III.......0
BGSOB..............8
Ainscow (3)
Robinson (2)
Daley (2)
Chandler

The Old Boys moved one step closer to promotion with a convincing 8-0 win agianst Prescot.

Bury produced possibly their best hockey of the season as they passsed, moved and finished clinically.

All eight goals were well worked team goals, with Joe Ainscow claimimg a personal hat-trick for the second time this season. Mike Daley also made a rare appearance, claiming another two goals and looking as if he'd never been away.

With Robinson and Foster providing excellent width and Hillary, McManus and Matthews linking play superbly through the midfield, Bury looked dangerous everytime they went forward.

As Xander Robinson claimed his second brace of the season and Nathan Chandler scoring a superb individual goal, Bury have now taken a substantial step towards the possibility of playing division nine hockey next season.

Credit must go to Prescot who fought valiantly, and worked until the end, in what was a game played in good spirit.

Squad: Heaton, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, Todd, J. Lowe, McManus, Hillary, Matthews, Foster, Robinson, Ainscow, Powers, Daley, Berry, Chandler, Fernando.

Derby Defeat For Bury

2009-03-07T21:13:00.000Z

Bolton VI.......3
BGSOB.........0

Bury slipped up on Saturday as they lost three-nil to league leaders Bolton.

Without top scorers Cooke and Waywell, Bury applied themselves well and passed the ball fluently in the first half. With the Bolton attack being restricted to two penalty corner efforts, the Old Boys felt that they had the edge, despite not taking their own opportunities.

The industrious McManus and Hilary were breaking up Bolton attacks and providing Fiddler, Matthews and Ainscow with the ball in advanced areas. Bury should have taken the lead when Fiddler beat four players on the edge of the D however, as he was about to shoot, a crude challenge brought an end to his progress.

This was typical of the first half as Bury just lacked the finishing touch in front of goal. They were made to pay for this in the second half as Bolton found three goals. Each were well deflected efforts from long balls into the D, as Bolton found their touch in front of goal.

Despite a succession of penalty corners, and near misses Bury were unable to find the target, resulting in a rather one sided result for such an even match.

Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, Todd, S.Sheikh, Foster, Berry, McManus, Hillary, Fiddler, Matthews, Ainscow, J. Lowe, Powers, Fernando

Cooke Seals Points for Bury

2009-02-28T21:11:00.000Z

BGSOB 1-0 Manchester Trinity III
Cooke

The Old Boys secured another three points on Saturday with a narrow victory over Manchester Trinity.

An early short corner for the visitors saw captain Tariq Sheikh produce an impressive goal line clearance, as Bury weathered some early pressure. Gradually the Old Boys got their passing game going and started to create clear-cut chances.

Two short corners were wasted, Cooke fired wide from Waywell’s cross, McCracken’s first time effort was well stopped at the near post and Cooke saw a clever deflection loop over the bar.
With numerous crosses flashing across the ‘D’ it appeared as if the Old Boys weren’t going to find the net, however top scorer Cooke finally found the break through. More good passing play found Foster on the right. His ball into the danger area was turned home at the second attempt, as Cooke netted his eleventh goal of the season.

The second half saw Bury keeper Heaton untroubled as the home side looked to double their lead. They looked certain to do so, but Waywell’s shot and Cooke’s follow up were both stopped on the line by the excellent Trinity keeper.

With Matthews firing wide and Tariq Sheikh smashing an effort narrowly over, the Old Boys were unable to add to their tally. However, with another clean sheet Cooke’s single strike was enough to ensure victory.

Squad: Heaton, T.Sheikh, Todd, S. Sheikh, Foster, Berry, McManus, Hillary, Matthews, Waywell, Cooke, Robinson, McCracken, Fernando, J. Lowe, C. Lowe.

MOM: Foster

Bury Hit Seven

2009-02-21T21:08:00.000Z

Liverpool Sefton IV... 0
BGSOB..........................7
Waywell (3)
Ainscow (4)

The Old Boys continued their good form with a seven nil win away at Liverpool Sefton.

With top scorer Cooke missing Mark Waywell and Joe Ainscow stepped into the breach to bag all seven goals between them.

Waywell opened the scoring early on as Bury started quickly. Following two excellent saves, the Sefton keeper was finally beaten at the third attempt as Waywell drilled in a fierce shot that found the net. Shortly afterwards a well worked short corner found Ainscow unmarked at the far post as he doubled Bury’s lead.

Mid way through the half Waywell extended the lead as he produced a superb piece of close control to beat the Sefton keeper on the by-line before slotting the ball confidently into the net.
The second half brought four further goals as Bury’s passing game created some superb opportunities. Waywell completed his hat-trick with a neat finish following a clever Dave Matthews pass, as the Old Boys put together another flowing move.

Not to be out done Joe Ainscow then scored a second half hat-trick of his own. Firstly the striker was on hand to turn in a rebound, which had cannoned off the post. Next he grabbed his third goal following a scrambled short corner, which saw the ball trickle over the line despite the efforts of the Sefton goalkeeper.

Finally, the young striker scored his fourth of the day, with a well worked team goal. Good interplay on the right hand side saw the ball eventually crossed in, and Ainscow was on hand to sweep home for the game’s final goal.

Credit must go to Sefton who played the game in an excellent spirit, despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline. Cheers lads.

Squad: Heaton, Todd, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, Hillary, Matthews, McManus, Berry, Foster, Waywell, Ainscow, Robinson, Wright, Powers.

Cooke’s Double Enough For Old Boys

2009-02-14T21:06:00.000Z

BGSOB 2-0 Ormskirk
Cooke (2)

The Old Boys consolidated their second place position with a comfortable win over Ormskirk on Saturday.

The first half was all Bury as the Old Boys produced excellent passing hockey, maintaining possession and looking threatening every time they went forward. Their good play was rewarded with two excellent team goals, both finished by top scorer Matt Cooke.
Each time, Cooke was on hand to apply his trademark clinical finish to moves that started deep in the Bury half, as the home side dominated the first thirty five minutes.

The second half was a different story however, as changes to the Bury side disrupted their flow, Ormskirk applied greater pressure to the man in possession and generally Bury didn’t pass the ball as well.

Although Bury were comfortable and created chances, they never had quite the stranglehold of the first half.

The Old Boys are three points clear in second place, with a game in hand, but face a potentially difficult trip to Liverpool next week.

Squad: Heaton, Berry, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, McManus, Foster, Matthews, Hillary, Waywell, Cooke, Ainscow, McCracken, Robinson, Mohammed, Fernando.

Poor Twenty Minutes Costs Old Boys Dear

2009-01-24T21:03:00.000Z

BGSOB 1-2 Didsbury VI
Hillary

A poor twenty minute spell in the first half saw the Old Boys concede two goals which ultimately cost them the game, in this close encounter.

The game started with both teams looking to attack, playing neat passing hockey. With ten minutes gone Sameer Sheikh won the ball on the edge of his own ‘D’ and started a six man move that lead to the opening goal. Lowe, Berry, Matthews, Cooke and Waywell combined down the left flank to slice open the Didsbury defence. The final cross was turned in by Hillary from close range, to put Bury in the driving seat.

What followed however was a very poor spell for the Old Boys. Passes were not accurate enough and the basics of pressure, closing down and movement all vanished. Didsbury took full advantage and scored two quick goals. The first saw Sameer Sheikh lose his man at the far post, resulting in an easy tap in, whilst the second came as the Didsbury striker narrowly beat the Bury defence to a low cross. The deflection of a defender’s stick took the ball out of keeper Heaton’s reach as it found the side netting.

Didsbury were denied two further goals as Heaton and Tariq Sheikh combined to keep out further efforts. In the final five minutes of the half, Bury remembered that they were playing hockey and began to apply themselves again. The resultant pressure saw the ball camped in the Didsbury half. Two short corners came close before Waywell, looked set to level the scores. The striker burst clear with one defender to beat, and neatly moved the ball past him. However before he could set his sights on goal, Waywell was abruptly stopped in his tracks and the chance was gone.

A fiery team talk saw Bury start the second half as they ended the first. In fact, as they were now doing the basics right again they dominated the second thirty five minutes. Didsbury were only able to mount two attacks of note. One ended with a short corner being easily cleared and the other saw a cross fly out of the ‘D’, to start another Bury attack.

Waywell, Cooke, Berry, Matthews, Hillary, Sameer Sheikh, Foster, Fernando and Tariq Sheikh all had chances as shot after shot, long corner after long corner peppered the Didsbury goal. However some fine goalkeeping and errant finishing ensured that the Old Boys could grab the equaliser their second half efforts merited.

The Old Boys will be hoping that one twenty minute period will not prove to be a major slip up as the season nears its end. With a week off to reflect, Bury will know that the next game at Prescot will need a full seventy minute performance, not the fifty of this week.

Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, Lowe, S. Sheikh, Berry, Foster, Hillary, Matthews, McManus, Waywell, Cooke, Dowd, Fernando, Robinson, Wright, Todd.

MOM: Heaton

Bury Make Positive Start to 2009

2009-01-17T20:22:00.002Z

Preston VI.......1
BGSOB ..........4
Berry
Hillary
Ainscow (2)

The Old Boys came back from the winter break in good form as the eased past Preston on Saturday. Although missing top scorer Matt Cooke, Bury were able to score four well worked goals thanks to the creativity of Waywell and Matthews.

Early pressure from Bury was rewarded as the visitors took the lead following patient build up play. The ball was moved around the Preston ‘D’, before Matthews picked out Berry with a clever pass. The Bury winger dispatched the ball confidently into the corner to score his first goal of the season. In truth Berry could have had a first half hat trick. Moments after his first the winger hit the post with a similar effort, before placing a third chance wide.

The Old Boys continued to apply constant pressure, and doubled their lead mid way through the half. Again Matthews was heavily involved, as he received the ball on the base line, before expertly finding Hillary at the top of the ‘D.’ The midfielder calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to give Bury a two goal cushion at half time. Bury will feel that maybe they should have had more goals on the board as the Preston keeper produced excellent stops from Foster, Fernando and Ainscow.

The second half saw Bury add two more goals to their tally. A flowing move saw the ball delivered to Waywell on the left, who worked his way into a crossing position. He then produced an excellent pass to the far post where Joe Ainscow was on hand to finish from close range.

The same pair combined for Bury’s final goal, as another Waywell cross found Ainscow on the penalty spot. This time the striker hit a reverse stick shot past the stranded home keeper, to seal the points for The Old Boys.

Preston did grab a late consolation goal, but never looked like mounting a real comeback.

This was a good start to the second half of the season for Bury, who will take on third placed Didsbury next Saturday.

Squad: Heaton, J. Lowe, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, McManus, Foster, Berry, Matthews, Hillary, Waywell, Ainscow, Todd, C. Lowe, Robinson, Fernando.

MOM: T. Sheikh

Mid Season Stats

2009-01-06T20:57:00.002Z

So... at Christmas the record reads

Played 9
Won 8
Drawn 0
Lost 1
For 26
Against 7
Points 24

Interesting stats:

Cookie: eight goals in seven games
Joe: two goals in three appearances
Dave Heaton: four clean sheets in seven games (that's 280 minutes folks!)
Man Of The Half Season: Dave Matthews (2 MOM awards)

Goals:
Cooke 8
Waywell 5
Matthews 4
Ainscow 2
Daley 2
Robinson 2
Chandler 1
S. Sheikh 1
Wright 1

The Mr. Glass Award: Bez
Non-Goal of the half season: Andy's looping effort against Preston
Comedy Moment of the half season: Sam falling on his arse against Ormskirk
The Vinnie Jones Award (for most blatent piece of foul play): Paddy.

Bring on the second half the season!

Not Just Any Game of Hockey, An M&S Game of Hockey.

2008-12-08T21:15:00.002Z

BGSOB 5-1 Liverpool Sefton IV
Cooke (2)
Waywell (2)
Wright

Yeah, sorry about the headline, but it just felt right.

This was one of those games that was a pleasure to play in. And I’m not just saying that because we won. It was competitive but friendly, and played in exactly the right spirit. Both teams played to the whistle, and rarely, if ever, disputed a decision. This is even more amazing seeing as I was playing!

The final score was 5-1 to Bury. An under strength Sefton team (with no subs) played with commendable effort and determination, creating good chances of their own, before Bury took the lead.

The Old Boys top scorer, Matt Cooke, took his tally to eight in seven games with two clever finishes. Whilst Mark Waywell bagged a brace of his own, capping an all action Man of The Match display.

Francis Wright also got on the score sheet, for the first time this season. The midfielder fired in after excellent dribbling skills from Matthews had created the opening.

Sefton were not deflated however, and kept pressing the home side. Some quick thinking from hit outs caught Bury on the break, and the defence had to be alert throughout the game. The visitors did score a deserved goal of their own, as a short corner was finished after the initial shot had hit the post.

Ah... if only all games could be this enjoyable.....

The return fixture at Sefton will no doubt be just as good, however the Old Boys can expect to see a stronger Sefton squad and will need to put in a strong performance.

BGSOB face Urmston next week in their final fixture before the Christmas break.

Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, J. Lowe, S. Sheikh, Todd, Hillary, Wright, Matthews, Berry, Foster, Waywell, Cooke, Robinson,

MOM: Waywell

Fog On The Lune....

2008-11-29T21:13:00.000Z

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.

Old Boys Hit Four Again.

2008-11-22T20:13:00.000Z

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's Triple Tames Trinity

2008-11-15T22:09:00.000Z

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.

Magic Matthews Inspires Old Boys

2008-11-08T22:02:00.000Z

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

Old Boys Back On Track

2008-11-01T14:37:00.000Z

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

Old Boys Miss Out On Derby Points

2008-10-25T18:08:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 0-2 Bolton VI
Bury lost their first game of the season on Saturday, as they were edged out by local rivals Bolton.

Bolton started the brighter of the two sides as they forced a short corner in the opening minutes following Sameer Sheikh’s misplaced pass. The corner came to nothing however, and The Old Boys began to play their way into the game.

The match was developing into an even encounter when Bolton gained a free hit in the Bury half. The hit was quickly taken and a Bolton forward was able to capitalise on some rare space, producing a sharp first time finish.

Going behind seemed to galvanise the home side, as The Old Boys took control of the final fifteen minutes of the half. Matthews smashed a short corner narrowly wide and Hillary had a fine drive saved low at the post.

Bury continued to use their possession well and shortly before the break Foster fired the ball across the face of goal but Berry, arriving at the far post, didn’t have the angle to find the net. At the other end Heaton had to be sharp as he produced two good sliding saves to deny the Bolton forwards.

The start of the second half followed a similar pattern, as Bury dominated possession. However, they were unable to convert their pressure into clear-cut chances, and paid the price as Bolton scored a second goal on the break.

As the home side tried to up the tempo, the passing became a little ragged and Bolton were able to exert more pressure on the Bury defence, leading to a flurry of late short corners, which the visitors were unable to convert.

Although Bolton fully deserved the points for their clinical finishing, The Old Boys are well aware that they could have taken something from this game had they created more clear-cut chances. This is something they will look to improve upon against Ormskirk next week.

Squad: Heaton, Todd, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, McManus, Foster, Robinson, Matthews, Wright, Hillary, Waywell, Berry, Chandler, C. Lowe, Cooke.

MOM: S. Sheikh

Bury See Off Determined Keswick

2008-10-11T21:57:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 1-0 Keswick West Cumbria 3s
Ainscow

The Old Boys secured a narrow victory on Saturday to maintain their excellent start to the season.

The first half saw the Old Boys apply all the pressure, as Keswick rarely threatened the home side. With Matthews proving yet again to be an influential creative force, Bury were able to create numerous chances, particularly from short corners. Eventually Joe Ainscow, making his first start of the season, managed to finish a set play and put The Old Boys in front.

Although Bury mounted further attacks towards the end of the half, a second goal was not forth coming, despite excellent supply from wingers Robinson and Foster.

The second half however, was a very different story. Although Waywell flashed a drive wide and Cooke’s movement was a constant threat to the defence, Keswick upped their tempo and looked to level the score. Excellent defensive work from McManus and Wright stopped most attacks in the midfield, however twice towards full time keeper Heaton was called on to produce excellent stops at the top of his ‘D.’ Backed up excellently by defenders Tariq Sheikh and Todd, the Bury keeper fully deserved his first clean sheet of the season.

The Old Boys, though happy at maintaining top spot, will know that they need to finish teams off more decisively if they are to continue their good form.

Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, Todd, S. Sheikh, McManus, Wright, Ainscow, Matthews, Robinson, Foster, Cooke, Waywell, Chandler, Fernando.

MOM: Heaton

Daley Fires Bury to Top Spot

2008-10-04T23:24:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 2-1 Preston VI
Daley (2)

With leading scorer Matt Cooke and fellow strikers Waywell and Ainscow also missing, The Old Boys attacking options were looking much thinner than usual on Saturday.

However Mike Daley, playing his final game for a while, produced a fine double strike to ensure Bury maintained their 100% start to the season.

Preston started the match brightly and in the opening fifteen minutes produced numerous attacks on the Bury ‘D.’ Dogged defending from the home side repelled most of the attacks, but eventually Preston took the lead.

A fine solo run to the base line was finished neatly at the near post to give the visitors the lead.

Bury were not disheartened though, and continued to battle back into the game. Towards the end of the half Foster looped the ball over the keeper and into the net, but the goal was ruled out following on infringement.

A rousing half time team talk ensured The Old Boys came out for the second half in positive fashion, looking for an equaliser.

With Bury now keeping Preston pinned back, the leveller wasn’t long in coming. From their second short corner of the half, the ball was delivered to Daley who produced a precise finish to square the game.

Following the equaliser both teams pushed for the winner and it was the home side who broke through. A hit out found Daley in space and a nice exchange of passes with Foster, played the Bury man into the ‘D.’ For the second time Daley produced a composed finish to seal the points for The Old Boys.

This was a tough, physical game which proved that The Old Boys can grind out a win against the odds.

Squad: Heaton, T. Sheikh, J. Lowe, S. Sheikh, Wright, McManus, Robinson, Foster, Matthews, Daley, Powers, Todd, Dowd, C. Lowe, Montrose.

MOM: Daley & Robinson

Solid Start for Old Boys

2008-09-28T21:23:00.002+01:00

Didsbury VI ..2
BGSOB..........4
Matthews
Cooke (2)
Waywell

The Old Boys got their season off to a solid start with a four – two victory against Didsbury on Saturday.

With Ainscow and Hillary both absent it was going to be interesting to see how Bury would approach what has generally been a hard fought game in the past. Bury were dealt a further blow an hour before push back when keeper Dave Heaton was forced to withdraw with a knee injury. This lead to Chirs McManus being drafted in as an emergency keeper.

Within five minutes The Old Boys had taken the lead as Dave Matthews fired home the game’s first short corner. This had capped a strong start from Bury, who had passed the ball well when attacking.

However the lead was short lived, as Didsbury hit back almost immediately. An incisive move down the right saw the ball delivered into the circle. Following an almighty scramble, the home side forced the ball over the line despite the best efforts of McManus and Tariq Sheikh on the line.

The Old Boys were not fazed by this set back and returned to their flowing, attacking hockey. Within another five minutes, Bury had regained the lead. Again the goal came via a short corner as Matt Cooke opened his account for the season with a deft deflected finish.

The game was then held up for fifteen minutes as James Berry suffered a broken nose as he bravely attempted a tackle in the circle. With yet another injury blow, it would have been easy for The Old Boys to lose their rhythm and allow Didsbury back in the game. However, Xander Robinson compensated for Berry’s absence brilliantly, and Bury added to their lead.

Good work from Matthews and Hodbod provided Cooke with an opportunity for his second goal. The Bury front man made no mistake as he slotted calmly home, into the bottom corner.

With Wright and Foster working tirelessly in midfield, Waywell a constant threat up front and Todd and the Lowe brothers comfortably slotting into any defensive roles, The Old Boys produced some excellent passing hockey.

The second half provided a slightly different challenge, as Didsbury came out looking to pass the ball and reduce the deficit. The Bury defence had to work harder to control the attacking threat, however the mercurial talents of Matthews and Hodbod still ensured that chances were provided for Daley, Cooke and Waywell.

The Old Boys moved further in front mid way through the second half. Following a mazy dribble from Waywell, the forward was able to squeeze off a reverse stick shot from a tight angle. The Didsbury keeper was somewhat wrong-footed by the awkward bounce, as the ball found the backboard.

Didsbury, to their credit, continued to push forward and grabbed a second goal, following another goalmouth scramble. This time skipper Tariq Sheikh ended up in the goal as he tried to clear the ball on the line. McManus was called on to make a fine stick save, and at the other end both Cooke and Matthews went close for Bury.

Overall, Bury will be happy with the win, but will look to tighten up defensively as they take on Preston next weekend.

Squad: McManus, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Todd, Wright, Matthews, Hodbod, Foster, Berry, Waywell, Cooke, Daley, J. Lowe, Robinson, C. Lowe.

MOM: Wright.

2008-2009

2008-08-18T15:34:00.002+01:00

Just a few updates for you all:

Men's Captain: Tariq Sheikh

Vice Captains: Ian Hillary & Andy Foster

Our first friendly fixture is against Westleigh (at Westleigh). Push Back is at 12:00. Please check this site and emails for squad list in the near future.

Also, for the forthcoming season the home shirt will be blue and the away top red. Both home and away kits will use white shorts and white socks, unless the captain tells you otherwise.

Training, as always, is on Wednesdays at BGS (7:30 - 9:oopm)

Details For Saturday 19/01/08

2008-01-16T22:35:00.000Z

vs Preston 5s (away)
at Penwortham PR1 0JE

Squad:
Dave Heaton
Bez
Tariq
Sam
Andy
Paddy
Will
Dave M
Ian
Joe
Mark
Mike
Nathan
Bobby
Xander
Frankie

Push back is at 12:30. Meet at BGS at 10:15, leave by 10:30
Blue tops, white shorts and socks.

Old Boys Make Positive Start to 2008

2008-01-16T20:49:00.000Z

BGSOB ...............10
Golborne 2nds ......0

Bury Grammar School Old Boys got 2008 off to a winning start against a weakened Golborne side, putting December’s poor form behind them.

Credit must go to the visiting side who played with great commitment until the final whistle. The scoring was opened at the far post by Ainscow, and the lead was double ten minutes later by a cheeky Matthews finish. Just prior to half time Matt Cooke added a third following Berry’s defence splitting pass.

The second half brought further goals as Matthews grabbed a second from a set piece and a well-worked move was finished confidently by Daley. Not to be outdone Mark Waywell then scored against his former club, with a low shot into the corner, before Ainscow collected his second of the game.

Xander Robinson then produced a Dave Nugent moment as he opened his account for the season from close range and this was followed by a well-worked short corner, finished by Waywell.

Cooke rounded the scoring off late in the game, with his second of the match and fourth of the season.

Although happy with the scoreline Bury will be well aware that they must play better hockey in the remainder of the season, if they are to force themselves back into the promotion picture.

Squad: Heaton, McManus, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Berry, Foster, Matthews, Hodbod, Waywell, Cooke, Ainscow, Robinson, Daley

MOM: Matthews
DOD: Robinson

Rocky Balboa Eat Your Heart Out.

2007-03-10T13:30:00.000Z

BGSOB 2-2 Carlisle II
Foster (48)
Ainscow (69)

The Old Boys produced a come back of epic proportions to grab a draw against champions-elect Carlisle, on Saturday.

Bury were missing midfielder Hillary, which prompted a change in what had become a fairly settled line up. Sameer Sheikh was moved into midfield as Aitken reverted back to his sweeper role. These changes proved to be rather ineffective as Carlisle dominated the opening period.

Although Bury did mount some pressure, they did not test the visitor’s keeper as often as they would have liked, and gradually Carlisle grasped the upper hand. After fifteen minutes they had the ball in the net, however the goal was ruled out as the strike from outside the ‘D’ deflected off Tariq Sheikh’s stick, rather than that of an attacker. Five minutes later Carlisle had the ball in the net in very similar circumstances. This time however the goal stood and, whatever debate there was about the goal, the fact was that the visitors deserved their lead.

Towards the end of the first half Titlow was called upon to make two vital stops and Tariq Shiekh produced a stunning goal-line stop, to ensure that Carlisle did not extend their lead.

Following a half time reshuffle, The Old Boys come out determined to fight their way back into the game. Four minutes in however, and Carlisle had doubled their lead following a flicked short corner. Where other sides may have folded though, Bury dug in and fought back. Foster and Larmett were immense in midfield and started to combine with forwards Matthews, Waywell, Cooke, Ainscow and Powers to create openings.

With forty-eight minutes gone the tireless Foster put Bury back in the game. He arrived late at the far post to turn in Cooke’s cross-shot, and claim his third of the season. Although Carlisle were still posing an attacking threat and another timely clearance from Tariq Sheikh was needed, The Old Boys were pouring forward at every opportunity. Ainscow came close to levelling matters, but his reverse stick shot shaved the outside of the post. Cooke then had the next chance following good work from Waywell, but somehow the combination of keeper and a goal-line clearance scrambled the ball away.

As full time approached, every conceivable attacking option was on the pitch and the gamble paid off. Waywell’s forceful run was halted just short of the ‘D’ by two Carlisle defenders. Larmett showed superb vision and awareness to take the hit quickly and pick out the unmarked Ainscow, at the back of the circle. Showing great composure, the young forward picked his spot and levelled the score with the last touch of the game.

Once again these two teams produced an excellent match, which was played and umpired in exactly the right spirit. Hopefully next week will see Carlisle rightfully crowned as league champions.

A special DOD award must be mentioned at this point. Captain Sameer Sheikh was awarded the prize, as he turned in a first half performance in midfield reminiscent of Jan Molby. That would be Jan Molby of the mid-nineties and NOT in his eighties double winning form!

Squad: Titlow, S. Sheikh, Aitken, T. Sheikh, Cheung, Foster, Berry, Larmett, Waywell, McManus, Cooke, Matthews, Ainscow and Powers.

MOM: Foster and T. Sheikh.

Young Gun Larmett Fires Old Boys To Victory.

2007-03-03T13:30:00.000Z

Cheetham Hill II......0
BGSOB...................1
Larmett (51)

Young midfielder James Larmett popped up to score his fifth, and most vital, goal of the season, ensuring that The Old Boys came away from Manchester with all three points.

Bury knew that this fixture would not be as easy as the previous meeting between the two teams and so it proved, as a close fought game saw both teams produce excellent chances.

Despite early Cheetham pressure, the Old Boys fashioned the first clear chance of the half. Good play down the left saw Waywell feed Cooke and, from a narrow angle, the Bury striker was denied by the outside of the post. The home side responded with further pressure but, despite many crosses flashing across the Bury ‘D,’ they were unable to seriously test Titlow.

By the end of the first half the visitors were beginning to dominate possession and were looking dangerous. Following a ball in from Sameer Sheikh, top scorer Ainscow flashed a reverse stick drive just wide of the post, as Bury looked to open the scoring.

The second half started in much the same vein. Both sides were again looking to attack and it was the visitors who created the clearer chances. Having been put through, Ainscow was denied by the excellence of the Cheetham Hill keeper. Following this, the Bury front man unselfishly squared his next chance to Waywell, who was again denied by the superb reflexes of the home keeper.

The deadlock was finally broken in the fifty-first minute as the impressive Larmett capitalised on a static home defence. With Cooke’s initial shot saved, the keeper sent his clearance dangerously back towards the Bury man. As most players stopped in anticipation of a whistle, the umpire played a good advantage and Larmett seized his opportunity as the ball came across the ‘D,’ putting the visitors into the lead.

Cheetham Hill again responded, and Titlow was eventually called into action as he cleared a ball that was again flashed into the circle. However Bury were still creating chances, and Foster was denied his second goal in two games, as the home keeper saved well, low down, at his near post.

The Old Boys had to see out a frantic last minute as a short corner was awarded, but Aitken, Titlow and Matthews combined to snuff out the danger and seal the victory.

Squad: Titlow. Foster, T. Sheikh, Cheung, S. Sheikh, Hillary, Larmett, Matthews, Aitken, Waywell, Cooke, Ainscow, Powers, Berry.

Midfield Dynamos Power Old Boys to Victory

2007-02-24T19:37:00.000Z

BGSOB 7-0 Golborne II
Cooke (6)
Hillary (16, 29)
Aitken (18)
Waywell (37, 42)
Foster (57)

The Old Boys continued their return to form by firing seven goals past Golborne on Saturday, thanks to an excellent midfield display.

Bury opened their account in the sixth minute, when striker Cooke scored his fifth of the season. The Bury front man was on hand to coolly fire past the visiting keeper, following excellent wide play on the Bury right hand side.

The Old Boys settled into a good rhythm and produced excellent passing moves throughout the first half. Hillary, Matthews, Larmett, Aitken and Waywell all combined effectively in midfield to create chance after chance for the home side.

With such pressure being created, the home side were winning a substantial amount of short corners, and it was from one of these set pieces that they increased their lead. For the second home game in succession Ian Hillary found the net with a powerful strike, with sixteen minutes gone.

Just two minutes later another short corner produced Bury’s third goal of the afternoon. This time Aitken took his chance as his shot found the bottom corner to give The Old Boys a comfortable lead.

Bury took this opportunity to experiment with changes in personnel, and as a result lost some of the fluency from their game. However, with six minutes to half time, a fourth goal was scored with Hillary grabbing his second of the day. A short corner routine appeared to have broken down, but the Bury midfielder showed excellent craft and skill to create space for himself. Having done the hard work Hillary fired an unstoppable drive into the net.

With clear instructions to keep the pressure up and to keep the passing game going, The Old Boys came out for the second half looking for more. Two minutes in, Golborne old boy, Mark Waywell found the net against his former club, flicking in another short corner.

With Larmett and Matthews combining superbly the home side continued to press the visitors back. Somewhat inevitably it was from another cross from the right that Waywell fired in the sixth goal of the game. Following a good save from the Golborne keeper, Waywell was the first to react as he fired the ball home.

The scoring was rounded off in the fifty-seventh minute with a superb team goal. Again Hillary, Larmett and Matthews were the architects as the ball was delivered into Foster’s path. With a superb finish into the bottom corner, Foster scored his second of the season, and the seventh of the day.

Although Bury went on to create more chances, no further goals materialised and credit must go to the under strength visitors, who tried their best to attack at any opportunity and kept the home defence on its toes.

Squad: Titlow, S. Shiekh, T. Sheikh, Cheung, Foster, Aitken, Matthews, Hillary, Larmett, Waywell, Cooke, Ainscow, Butler, Berry, Powers, McManus.

MOM: Matthews and Larmett

Old Boys Bounce Back

2007-02-18T17:23:00.000Z

Prescot III.......0
BGSOB...........2
Hodbod (39)
Ainscow (57)

The Old Boys bounced back from their disappointment on Saturday with a much better performance on Sunday.

The absence of Waywell, Foster and Cooke was offset by the return of Aitken, Hillary and Larmett, who combined with Matthews and Hodbod to produce an excellent midfield display.

Titlow was again needed in goal early on, as he produced a good save from a short corner, but generally the defence performed well.

Despite their excellent first half play, Bury were unable to find the finishing touch. Superb midfield play saw many chances created but none were taken, although Powers and Hillary both tested the Prescot keeper with fine efforts.

Early in the second half The Old Boys made the break through. Another attack into the Prescot D saw the ball drop to Powers. The young striker produced an excellent piece of skill to by-pass the keeper and leave Hodbod with a simple finish.

Although Bury were pressing and creating, Prescot were still battling well and The Old Boys’ defence had to be on their guard.

However the game was sealed following a stunning piece of individual play from Hodbod. Having received the ball in midfield, the Bury man beat several opponents on his way to the D. Once he had drawn the keeper out, Hodbod then found the unmarked Ainscow who tucked the ball away to seal the victory.

Match Day Squad: Titlow, Cheung, S. Shiekh, T. Sheikh, Berry, Hodbod, Matthews, Hillary, Larmett, Ainscow, Powers, McManus, Aitken.

MOM: Hodbod.

Ormskirk Edge Tight Game

2007-02-17T17:19:00.000Z

Ormskirk II........1
BGSOB.............0

Ormskirk took advantage of a lacklustre performance from Bury to secure three points on Saturday.

Missing the influential Hillary, Larmett and Aitken, The Old Boys’ first half display lacked the fluency which had seen off Didsbury the previous week. Bury needed the skill of Titlow in goal to make three good saves, before Ormskirk took the lead from a flicked short corner.

The second half saw the visitors came into the game more and exert greater pressure on Ormskirk. A much better display saw Bury create more chances, which should have culminated in an equaliser. Waywell’s shot was heading for the bottom corner, with the Ormskirk keeper stranded. However, before the ball could cross the line a defender’s foot kicked the ball clear.

With no flick awarded The Old Boys had to keep pushing for an equaliser, and they came very close right at the death, as Matthews’ reverse stick effort flew just wide of the post.

This was not The Old Boys at their best but the spirit and persistence shown could, and possibly should, have earned them a draw.

Match Day Squad: Titlow, Cheung, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, Foster, Matthews, Hodbod, Berry, Ainscow, Waywell, Cooke, Powers, McManus.

MOM: Titlow.

BURY BACK TO WINNING WAYS

2007-02-10T16:05:00.000Z

BGSOB 4-1 Didsbury Northern VI
Waywell (25)
Hillary (35)
Larmett (46)
Hodbod (61)

The Old Boys got their season back on track on Saturday with a dominant display against Didsbury. After three weeks of playing good hockey but not converting enough chances, Bury managed to find their finishing touch.

The home team went into the game making several enforced changes. Aitken, Hopwood, Ainscow, Butler, Berry and Shori were all missing, meaning that The Old Boys were forced to change formation as well as personnel. However, far from disrupting the side, the changes allowed Bury to play possibly their best hockey of the season. Passing, movement and communication were all excellent, as Didsbury were subjected to severe pressure from the opening minutes.

Initially it seemed as if Bury’s poor run might continue. The opening twenty minutes saw chance after chance created with the midfield four of Hodbod, Larmett, Matthews and Hillary linking well with Cooke and Waywell. However, good work from the Didsbury keeper and several near misses meant that Bury failed to capitalise on their good approach play.

With twenty-five minutes gone the home side eventually got the break through. Excellent build up play saw the ball delivered to Waywell and the forward drove towards the D. With the defence back peddling, Waywell cleverly took his chance and fired a reverse stick shot into the bottom corner, scoring his first goal for the club.

Just before half time The Old Boys doubled their lead from their fourth short corner. Following Hodbod’s near miss from the previous corner, Hillary made no mistake as he dispatched the ball into the net, giving Bury a well deserved two goal cushion.

The second half saw the visitors looking to exert more pressure but the excellent defensive performances of Cheung, Foster and Tariq Sheikh meant that Titlow remained relatively untroubled. The one save he had to make however was outstanding, as he showed super reflexes to keep out a stinging drive.

More incisive build up play saw the home side increase their lead in the forty-sixth minute. Good interchanges down the left ended with a cross being driven in to the far post. Coming in off the right wing, James Larmett was on hand to flick the ball over the advancing keeper, for his fourth of the season.

The victory was sealed in the sixty-first minute when Hodbod capped another fine display with a precise drive from the top of the D into the bottom corner.

In the final minute Didsbury scored a consolation goal as the Bury defence finally allowed them a little too much space and their striker touched the ball past the on rushing Titlow.

Altogether this was an impressive display, against a Didsbury side who had held Bolton the previous week. The Old Boys must maintain this standard in the coming weeks if they are to push their way back into the promotion picture.

Match Day Squad: Titlow, Cheung, Foster, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Hodbod, Matthews, Hillary, Larmett, Waywell, Cooke, Powers, McManus.

Bury Miss Out Again

2007-01-27T18:02:00.000Z

Preston VI....2
BGSOB.........1
Cooke (5)

For the second successive week the Old Boys left the pitch knowing that their display warranted a better result.

Despite early pressure from Preston, it was Bury who struck first. Moving the ball quickly from back to front, the Old Boys sliced through the Preston backline, providing Waywell with the opportunity to cross. Cooke was on hand to apply the finish and score his second in two games, giving the visitors the lead.

The game was still a very even contest, with both sides creating chances. Midway through the half though, the Old Boys lost defensive stalwart Tariq Sheikh to injury. The situation was then compounded as his replacement, James Berry, also had to leave the field injured. It was during this time that Preston got themselves back into the game, with a well placed finish.

The start of the second half saw both teams again looking to attack. This time it was Preston who edged in front, as their captain stole in at the back post to convert a right wing cross. What followed was then wave after wave of Bury pressure. Cooke hit the post, both he and Powers were denied by some excellent goalkeeping, Hillary saw three short corners saved, Waywell, Matthews and Ainscow all went close and Aitken had another short corner cleared off the line by a defender.

The Old Boys should take the positives out of this fixture. Some of the hockey was excellent and, on another day, the score line could have been very different.

Match Day Squad: Titlow, S. Sheikh, Aitken, T. Sheikh, Cheung, Foster, Hillary, Larmett, Waywell, Ainscow, Cooke, McManus, Berry, Matthews, Powers.

Stunning Strike Not Enough For Bury

2007-01-20T19:00:00.000Z

BGSOB 1-3 Bolton
Cooke

The Old Boys left the pitch on Saturday knowing that on any other day they could have, at the very least, secured a point from this game.

Bolton started strongly and took an early lead having won possession in the Bury half. The visitors continued to exert pressure and had another chance cleared off the line by Sameer Sheikh, before Bury came into the game.

Finally The Old Boys started to string moves together and began to take a grip of the game. Several good chances were then created, the pick of which was a Hillary shot, which scraped the outside of the post. By the end of the half Bury felt they were on top and started the second have determined to pull level.

This was accomplished early in the second period, thanks to a stunning finish from Matt Cooke. The ball was worked through Aitken and Ainscow and eventually into the D. As the ball dropped, Cooke turned and volleyed an unstoppable shot past the Bolton keeper.

At this point the Old Boys, though not playing fluently, were dominating possession and creating chance after chance. Unfortunately the Bolton keeper was proving to be extremely hard to beat, despite the best efforts of Hopwood, Ainscow, Waywell and Cooke. As Bury pressed to make the most of their pressure, they were unfortunately hit on the break and Bolton managed to put themselves in front again.

As has been the case throughout the season Bury heads did not drop, and they continued to keep Bolton back in their own half. However, with the Bolton keeper keeping his side in front, Bolton were again able to grab another goal. A long ball out of defence saw them win a hit-in on the right, which was played into the D. Although Tariq Sheikh was able to halt the initial attack the ball eventually broke free and feel to a Bolton forward who poked the ball past Titlow in the Bury goal.

Altogether, The Old Boys will feel that they deserved more from this game, but credit must go to Bolton for taking their chances and having the reincarnation of Lev Yashin in net.

Squad: Titlow, Cheung, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Aitken, Foster, Hillary, Hopwood, Waywell, Cooke, Ainscow, Berry, Powers, Larmett.

Machiavelli Found Alive and Well....in Lytham!!

2007-01-13T15:44:00.000Z

Lytham St Annes 3
BGSOB 2
Hodbod
Ainscow

Following the 5-0 humbling that Lytham suffered in the first encounter between these teams, it was clear that the home team were determined to take the points on Saturday. In fact, in their determination and eagerness to succeed they appeared to start the game with two number 15s. One of whom, it must be admitted, was a very good player indeed.

However, despite Lytham’s early pressure the Old Boys’ defence held firm. From this base Bury were able to string together moves through Hodbod, Hillary, Larmett and impressive debutant Waywell, which led to them taking a two goal lead into the break.

Firstly Lytham were caught cold as Ainscow was played in down the left. He cleverly rounded the keeper and unselfishly squared the ball to Hodbod, who made no mistake from close in. Minutes later Waywell burst down the right and fired in a superb ball to Ainscow, who tucked the ball into the bottom corner.

The second half, however, was a very different story. The loss of Ainscow was a major blow as man to man marking was taken to the extreme, even when the ball was at the other end of the pitch.

It was only a matter of time before Lytham got back into the game however, as reminiscent of the previous season’s game, they were awarded a multitude of short corners. Eventually Lytham managed to get their noses in front, making the most of the decisions that were awarded in their favour.

Towards the end of the match, Aitken received a yellow card. Having been stick tackled and pushed to the ground, his crime of laughing when the decision went Lytham’s way, was deemed enough to earn him his marching orders.

There were two real highlights for the Old Boys from this game. Firstly Mark Waywell’s impressive debut and promising link up play with other forwards bodes well for the rest of the season. Secondly, and perhaps the funniest moment on a hockey pitch, instead of letting the ball drop in the D and firing past a stranded keeper, a Lytham player (who shall remain unnamed) elected to catch the ball and appeal for a short corner!!

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, Cheung, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Foster, Hodbod, Hillary, Larmett, Waywell, Ainscow, Stoneman, Berry, Powers.

MOM: Hodbod.

Bury Miss Out On Christmas Top Spot

2006-12-10T20:12:00.000Z

Carlisle.....3
Bury.........1
Matthews (61)

The top two teams in the division met at Carlisle on Saturday and produced a highly competitive game, which rounded off the first half of the season.

The Old Boys fell behind early on as the hosts converted a short corner with a fierce shot from the top of the ‘D’. Carlisle applied more pressure to the Bury goal but they could not add to their tally before half time, with Titlow again producing some good saves.

Bury could have gone in level at half time, as they mounted attacks of their own. Firstly Ainscow’s shot was deflected wide, and then Matthews had a shot turned off the line by a well-placed defender, having rounded the keeper.

The second half saw The Old Boys revert to their normal formation and this allowed them to use the ball more effectively. However it was Carlisle who struck again, following a well-worked move down the right. The hosts increased their lead midway through the second half as they scored from close range, following some good work at the top of the D.

Despite falling further behind, Bury’s heads did not drop. In fact they began to produce some of their best hockey of the game. An incisive move provided Shori with an opportunity and, when the keeper smothered the ball, a penalty stroke was awarded. Matthews converted the flick to give the Old Boys a glimmer of hope.

The goal proved to be no more than a consolation, however, as Carlisle deservedly took the three points. This was an excellent game of hockey, played in a great spirit by both sides.

Squad: Titlow, Cheung, T.Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Aitken, Stoneman, Foster, Matthews, Larmett, Hillary, Ainscow, Butler, Shori, Berry, McManus.

MOM: Titlow

Paddy Power Proves Too Much For Preston

2006-11-25T22:18:00.000Z

BGSOB 3-1 Preston V
S.Sheikh (11)
McManus (53)
Powers (66)

The Old Boys maintained their hundred percent record at home as they overcame a dogged Preston side on Saturday. Bury needed to bounce back positively following their blip against Bolton and, despite missing Cooke, Hopwood, Matthews, Shori and Berry, they managed to secure all three points.

The game started well for the home side as they moved the ball around well early on, putting pressure on the visitors. In the eleventh minute Bury took the lead as Sameer Sheikh deftly touched home a short corner at the near post, following Aitken’s shot.

However, Preston hit back within a minute, grabbing an equaliser as the Old Boys failed to clear their lines. Suddenly the game became very stretched as both teams began to create more chances.

Minutes before half time Bury had a golden opportunity to retake the lead, when they were awarded a penalty stroke. But, the teams went in level at half time, as the Preston keeper produced an important save.

The Old Boys knew that they had to up their game in the second half and were determined to take the points. However, things did not go exactly to plan. McManus was yellow carded for retaliating to a cynical off the ball foul from behind; to make matters worse the Preston offender only received a green. This injustice actually seemed to galvanise Bury who stood firm and denied Preston any clear cut chances whilst McManus was sidelined.

Finally, The Old Boys took the lead in the fifty-third minute, thanks to some truly poetic justice. McManus had only been back on the pitch three minutes when he got his name on the score sheet. Larmett played a defence splitting pass to Powers, who played the ball past the on rushing keeper before the two collided. As the ball rolled goal wards the defender seemed odds on to make the clearance. However the determination of McManus ensured that the ball ended up in the net.

Following this, a Preston player was then yellow carded for dissent and Bury tightened their grip on the points.

In the sixty-sixth minute Bobby Powers sealed the win for the Old Boys as he expertly swept home Ainscow’s driven cross.

This was not the Old Boys at their best, yet they showed the character and determination to grind out another important win.

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, S.Sheikh, T.Sheikh, Cheung, Butler, Hillary, Larmett, Foster, Powers, Ainscow, McManus

One Man and His Zimmer Frame

2006-11-23T22:10:00.000Z

Bolton VI 1-0 BGSOB

All good things must come to an end, and the Old Boys unbeaten start to the league season was halted in controversial fashion by Bolton.

Quite simply this was an umpiring gaffe of Graham Poll proportions. Think about it... Poll giving the same man three yellow cards, Mr Thomas blowing for full time as a Brazilian corner was sent into the Swedish box during a world cup group game, the Tunisian who allowed Maradona's Hand of God goal, Urs Meir disallowing Sol Campbell's header, any game Uriah Rennie has referreed, the fool who awarded Didier Zokora a penalty following a blatent dive the other week..... the list goes on. But this was truely Poll-esque.

A ball was fired in from the edge of the D into a crowded circle. The umpire heard the ball hit a stick and convienently assumed it was a Bolton stick, therefore he gave a goal. A bit like Mr Poll in the world cup, the umpire forgot to check the facts....

What followed was a highly entertaining game that witnessed Bury dominate whilst Bolton threatened on the counter attack. The Old Boys forced no less than twelve short corners but failed to convert any, whilst also having a flick saved. To highlight the territorial dominance, at the other end Bolton had only four chances in the second half, all dealt with impressively by keeper Titlow, whilst also having no short corners.

Games against Bolton are always 'entertaining.' The amateur dramatics on show from Bolton's "senior pro" are always worth the admission price, although rumours that Bolton will have their own entry in the olympic diving team in 2012 are said to be unfounded nonesense.

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, Cheung, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Foster, Hillary, Larmett, Matthews, Ainscow, Cooke, Shori, Butler, Berry.

Five Star Old Boys Go Four Points Clear.

2006-11-11T10:49:00.000Z

BGSOB 5-0 Lytham St Annes VI
Larmett (17, 52)
Sheikh (40)
Shori (61)
Butler (64)

The Old Boys produced a fantastic display on Saturday to put themselves four points clear at the top of the league.

Hillary, Larmett and Foster ran the midfield as Bury produced free flowing hockey and dominated the opening exchanges. After seventeen minutes it was Larmett who put the Old Boys in front. Good work down the right saw Hillary fire in a cross towards Shori. His initial effort was blocked by the Lytham keeper, but Larmett reacted quickest as he pounced to steer in the rebound.

Bury proceeded to carve out more openings and should have gone further in front through Butler. However, his strike was ruled out as the umpire had stopped play to award a short corner. Following this a Foster cross was kicked off the line by a Lytham defender, but the resultant short corner was cleared. Towards the end of the first half Lytham pushed further forward and created their only chance on target, which Titlow and Aitken dealt with assuredly.

The second half started with Bury looking to capitalise on the openings they were creating. With forty minutes gone, the Old Boys were awarded a short corner. Sameer Sheikh made no mistake as he fired home Bury’s second. Again the Old Boys were dominating possession and moved further in front in the fifty second minute. A superb ball from Aitken was played to Shori via neat work from Cooke. His shot was parried and again Larmett was on hand to grab his second.

With nine minutes remaining Shori then scored his fourth of the season. The striker produced a superb, instinctive finish at the near post following Foster’s driven cross.

The scoring was then rounded off by Butler following another short corner. Hillary’s effort came back off the keeper, straight to the Bury man. He grabbed his first goal for the club, as he fired the ball home.

This was another good display from the Old Boys, who meet Bolton next week in the first derby of the season.

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, S. Sheikh, T.Sheikh, Cheung, Butler, Foster, Hillary, Larmett, Cooke, Shori, Powers, Berry.

MOM: Hillary

Old Boys Maintain Unbeaten Run

2006-11-04T17:11:00.000Z

Didsbury 0-0 BGSOB

Didsbury missed out on a golden opportunity to take three points from the Old Boys on Saturday. Bury were missing midfield dynamo and joint top scorer Hopwood, as well as first choice centre back, Cheung. The home side failed to capitalise on their good fortune, as a hard fought match ended goalless.

This was a tight game of few chances. Although Didsbury had more half chances it was Bury who created the better clear cut openings.

In the opening minutes Cooke was put through by Ainscow, the striker did his best but fired the difficult, bouncing ball over the bar. Didsbury’s best chance of the game came midway through the half, when Man of the Match Tariq Sheikh cleared the ball off his own line from a short corner.

In the second half Bury’s defence held firm, denying Didsbury any real chance to test Titlow, apart from a short corner in the final minute, whilst the forwards came close to stealing all three points.

Firstly Dave Matthews flashed a reverse stick drive just wide of the post and then Cooke was denied by a fantastic piece of goalkeeping that secured a point for Didsbury.

The Old Boys can be happy with this result, proving that they can not only play good hockey but can also mix it with those teams who prefer a more physical approach to the game. Another clean sheet for Titlow and his defence means that they have now gone 350 minutes without conceding, further extending the club record.

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, Foster, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, McManus, Hillary, Matthews, Larmett, Ainscow, Cooke, Powers, Shori, Butler.

MOM: Tariq Sheikh

High Flying Swans Secure Top Spot

2006-10-28T15:31:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 9-0 Prescot III
Hopwood (2, 16, 20, 40)
Ainscow (10, 28, 56)
Hillary (51)
Shori (67)

The Old Boys moved two points clear at the top of the league following a convincing win against Prescot. Both Teams were missing key players with Cooke, Cheung, Foster and Matthews all unavailable for Bury.

The home side started well, maintaining possession and looking to exploit openings whenever they could. Larmett, Hillary and Hopwood controlled the midfield, whilst Titlow was again relatively untroubled in goal, as he kept a club record fourth successive clean sheet.

Hopwood opened the scoring after just two minutes when, following a short corner, he made himself time and space before finding the net with a well placed finish. In the tenth minute another short corner was slipped to Ainscow, who fired in the first of his three goals.

With twenty minutes gone Hopwood had completed his first half hat trick with two more cool finishes, including a shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle. The Old Boys scored one more before half time as Joe Ainscow grabbed his second. The striker finished off a sweeping move involving Hopwood, Larmett, Powers and Hillary to put Bury five-nil up going into the break.

The hosts started the second half looking for more goals and, within five minutes of the restart, Hopwood had capped a fine personal display by firing home a penalty stroke.

Relentless attacking pressure followed as The Old Boys proceeded to carve out openings and, with fifty minutes on the clock, they were awarded another penalty flick. This time Hillary stepped up and expertly dispatched the ball past the keeper, for his first of the season.

Five minutes later Ainscow then scored the goal of the game as he secured his hat trick with a superb reverse stick finish. Rishi Shori then completed the scoring, three minutes from time, as he coolly fired past the advancing Prescot keeper.

This victory secured top spot for the Old Boys who face Didsbury next week.

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Berry, Butler, Hopwood, Hillary, Larmett, Shori, Ainscow, Powers.

MOM: Hopwood

HMS Bury Sink Blackpool's Battleship

2006-10-21T11:27:00.000+01:00

Blackpool II........0
BGSOB..............2
Aitken 25
Ainscow 37

The Old Boys made it four wins out of four with a hard fought victory over Blackpool on Saturday.

Bury came into the game missing three players, with Cooke, Larmett and Cheung all unavailable for selection. This meant that the Old Boys took to the field with a rearranged defence, as Matthews slotted in at centre back.

All the early pressure came from the home side, with Bury struggling to settle. Without vital interventions from the excellent Aitken and Hopwood, the Old Boys could have found themselves behind in the first fifteen minutes.

However, Bury weathered the initial storm and forced their way into the game, as the team adjusted to the enforced changes. With twenty-five minutes gone Bury won their first short corner. Sweeper Aitken then proved influential at the other end, as he fired in his second of the season past a stunned Blackpool defence.

The Old Boys had to be on their guard as Blackpool pressed for an equaliser before half time. The defence held firm, despite some close calls, and Bury reached the break with their advantage intact.

Knowing that they had to use their possession more effectively, Bury came out for the second half determined to put Blackpool under more pressure. Within two minutes of the restart the Old Boys had done just that. A sweeping move from the back saw the ball eventually crossed into the D by Hopwood. Joe Ainscow was waiting at the far post and made no mistake, as he clinically dispatched the ball past the exposed Blackpool keeper.

This set the tone for the second half with Bury going on to create the clearer chances. Hopwood was denied at the near post and Powers was inches away from converting another cross as he slid goalwards.

With Aitken expertly marshalling the defence and Hopwood, Hillary and Matthews tireless in midfield, Bury closed out the game to take another three points and maintain their position at the top of the table.

The Old Boys face Prescot at Goshen on Saturday as they look to continue their fine form.

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, Matthews, Foster, Hillary, Hopwood, Berry, Ainscow, Shori, Powers, Butler.

MOM: Aitken and Hopwood

Bury Hit Six In Dominant Display

2006-10-15T16:53:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 6 – 0 Cheetham Hill 2s
Foster (13)
Larmett (34)
Shori (52)
Hopwood (64)
Ainscow (68)
Powers (69)

The Old Boys produced another fine display as they fired six goals past Cheetham Hill without reply.

Yet again the result was based on solid defence, as the back line of Cheung, Aitken, Tariq Sheikh, Foster and captain Sameer Sheikh ensured that keeper Titlow was rarely tested.

With the Bury midfield dominating possession, chances were always being created, with the home side deservedly moving in front in the thirteenth minute. Following excellent midfield link up play, Matthews delivered the ball to Foster who swept home past the Cheetham keeper.

After the goal the visitors enjoyed more of the ball, but couldn’t make anything out of the two short corners they created. Bury took full advantage of the let offs as they scored their second just before half time, from a short corner of their own. James Larmett was on hand at the far post to force the ball home, following good work from Sameer Sheikh at the top of the D.

The second half saw the Old Boys take full control of the game, as they produced some fantastic free-flowing hockey. Bury moved further in front in the fifty-second minute as Shori claimed his second goal in consecutive matches. The striker produced a brave diving finish after Aitken had fired the ball towards the far post.

With the home team enjoying a most of the possession, chances were being created on a regular basis. Tom Hopwood provided the game’s fourth goal, with sixty-four minutes gone, as he ghosted past three challenges and drilled a thunderous strike into the bottom corner.

In the final two minutes the Old Boys added two more strikes to round off the victory. Firstly, Joe Ainscow calmly fired past the advancing keeper, before Bobby Powers capped a fine debut with an opportunist strike.

This victory kept the Old Boys one hundred per cent record intact and sets them up nicely for next week’s game, away to fourth placed Blackpool.

Squad: Titlow, Aitken, Cheung, T. Sheikh, Foster, S. Sheikh, Hopwood, Hillary, Matthews, Shori, Cooke, Ainscow, Berry, Larmett, Butler, Powers.

MOM: Jacky Cheung

BURY MAINTAIN PROMISING START

2006-10-07T15:48:00.000+01:00

Golborne II.....0
BGSOB...........4

Cooke (12, 50)

Shori (38)

Matthews (56)

The Old Boys continued their good start to the season with another three points and a dominant display against Golborne.

In the opening minutes Bury seemed to take longer to settle as the defence was stretched early on, once in their rhythm however, the Old Boys began to exert their influence. Several chances came and went before Matt Cooke put Bury in front after twelve minutes.

Following good build up play, Joe Ainscow drew the keeper out before playing the ball under his body. Cooke, showing a true striker’s positioning, was on hand to guide the ball into the open net and give Bury the lead.

The Old Boys spent the remainder of the half on the front foot, with only the heroics of Golborne’s keeper preventing any addition to the score before the half time whistle.

Bury came out for the second half determined to convert some of the chances they had been creating. Three minutes into the half more good work from Hopwood, Hillary and Ainscow provided Shori with a one-on-one opportunity. The striker made no mistake as he coolly placed the ball into the corner of the net.

Bury were now playing some excellent hockey and, with fifty minutes gone, claimed their third goal. Neat work from Aitken gave Cooke a sight of goal. The front man showed good composure as he slotted home his second and Bury’s third.

The game’s final goal came six minutes later as Dave Matthews scored his first for the club. More excellent Bury play saw the ball delivered to Matthews near the top of the D, the midfielder gave himself room before firing his shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The Old Boys have started the season strongly and will look to maintain their impressive form against Cheetham Hill on Saturday at Goshen.

Match Day Squad: Titlow, Aitken, Cheung, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Butler, Hopwood, Hillary, Larmett, Cooke, Ainscow, Shori, Matthews, Foster, McManus.

MOM: Matthews and Cooke

OLD BOYS OFF TO A STRONG START

2006-09-30T17:09:00.000+01:00

BGSOB 1s 3-1 Ormskirk 2s
Aitken
Hodbod
S. Sheikh

The Old Boys started the season in positive fashion as they collected three points from their opening game.

Bury began brightly, passing the ball well and looking threatening whenever they attacked. Hopwood, Hillary and Hodbod controlled the midfield, whilst Butler and Tariq Sheikh provided good support from their wing back positions.

The first goal came from a short corner midway through the first half, following good work from Tariq Sheikh in the D. Will Aitken opened his account for the season with a fierce drive that went in at the near post.

Bury continued to dominate possession and created numerous opportunities. The second goal arrived ten minutes later as David Hodbod deftly deflected the ball home following a free-hit from the edge of the D.

However Ormskirk forced their way back into the game minutes before half time when they scored from a short corner of their own, despite the best efforts of Aitken on the line.

The second half followed much the same pattern as the first, with The Old Boys creating a succession of chances with James Larmett adding to the threat from midfield. Cooke hit the post, Ainscow and Tariq Sheikh swept wide and Shori was inches away from converting a cross following a full length dive at the far post. The three points were sealed with Bury’s third goal, as Sameer Sheikh fired home another short corner with fifteen minutes remaining.

This was a strong start to the season for The Old Boys, with many of the younger players staking their claim for starting places against Golbourne next week.

Match Day Squad: Titlow, Aitken, Cheung, S. Sheikh, T. Sheikh, Butler, Hopwood, Hillary, Hodbod, Shori, Cooke, Ainscow, Larmett, Matthews, Berry.

MOM: James Larmett

Pre-season info

2006-08-04T18:12:00.000+01:00

Membership Fees

The annual membership fees are now due. Prices are £25 for senior players and £20 for Students

Shirts

The shirts are being printed and should be ready by the end of August. If you ordered a new shirt please bring your money (£15) to a training session in the near future.

Friendlies

There is a friendly against Manchester (2nds) on Saturday September 9th at Goshen, this fixture is not listed on Fixtures Live yet. Also there should be another mixed match sometime in September.

Season Review Part Two: Facts and Figures

2006-05-20T14:04:00.000+01:00

A statistical round up of the 05/06 season

Top Scorers: David Hodbod 8; Joe Ainscow 7; Will Aitken 6.

Player of The Season: David Hodbod

Young Player of The Season: James Berry

Goal of The Season: Andy Foster vs Urmston (last minute winner!!)

Miss of The Season: Will Aitken vs Ormskirk

Only Ever Present: Tariq Sheikh (barring his ten minutes of "imposed rest time" vs Urmston)

Biggest Victory: 7-0 vs Timperley

Hat-Tricks: 1 - Joe Ainscow vs Timperley

Yellow Cards: 3 (Aitken 2; T. Sheikh 1)

Most Consecutive Games Without Defeat: 7 (Jan 14th to March 18th)

Season Review: Part One - Comedy Moments

2006-04-29T11:32:00.000+01:00

As part of the end of season review, here is a reminder (in no particular order) of some of the funniest moments from the season:

"He's holding my hand!!" - Ian vs Preston

Will's impromptu "Superman" impression vs Brooklands

The Crab - an innovative new goal keeping technique

Sam blocking a short corner, falling over and in one continuous movement getting up and back to the goal to defend the next one vs Brooklands

Taz trying to break free of Paddy's grip to start on the biggest opposition player!

Will's oscar winning performance vs Bolton

"Don't you kick me!" - Ian vs Lytham

"If he does that again, Sam, just kill him" - well meaning advice from a senior player vs Prescot.

Xander claiming a "goal" vs Didsbury 7s

The open net miss in the Urmston game - would like to name and shame but as it wasn't one of our players not sure I can!

Will and Andy managing to get hit in the head in the same game (i'm sure you can laugh about it now!)

And finally....

Pitch Hire: £36, Mercian Great White Oxide: £180, The look on Urmston players' faces when Andy scored his last minute winner... priceless!

Old Boys Fight Back Not Enough

2006-04-08T13:54:00.000+01:00

Ormskirk 1s 3-1 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

Bury finished their first league season with a defeat at second place Ormskirk, despite mounting a second half fight back which saw the home side clinging on to their two goal cushion.

Ormskirk started the brighter of the two teams, and The Old Boys had to endure twenty minutes of pressure. Chris McManus this time provided the heroics at the defensive end making several important saves, as Ormskirk swarmed forward. When the opening goal did arrive, it was gaffe of Massimo Taibi proportions from captain Sameer Sheikh that helped the home team into the lead. After McManus had produced another fine save, Sheikh was on the line ready to clear the follow up shot. However, in trying to turn the shot round the post, the Bury skipper only succeeded in helping the ball into the net.

This was followed by a quick fire second, which again had a distinct slice of good fortune about it. As three Bury defenders closed down an Ormskirk forward, the ball took a deflection off Tariq Sheikh’s stick and rolled into the path of an unmarked player. McManus saved his first effort, and his second was blocked by Sheikh, however as the ball came across the D, another follow-up shot went in, despite the best efforts of Foster on the line.

In the remaining fifteen minutes of the half Bury began to produce hockey that forced Ormskirk onto the back foot. Twice the ball rolled virtually across the goal-line, with only the final touch missing, and the Ormskirk keeper was tested on several occasions before the half time whistle.

The second half produced more good hockey from both sides, with Bury beginning to get the upper hand, as Aitken was pushed into a more advanced role. However, Ormskirk were still dangerous on the break, and it took a fine save from McManus (later described as one of his best ever) to keep the score at two – nil. Eventually, a snap shot increased Ormskirk’s lead, but this was to be the last of the real pressure from the home side.

Bury quickly got themselves back in the game. Cooke showing his striker’s instinct by deftly deflecting a ball in, with the slightest of touches, to reduce the deficit. What followed was a barrage of Bury pressure, which created some great opportunities, however The Old Boys were unable to convert the chances that would have secured a draw.

Although the second half of the season ended with a defeat, The Old Boys must take heart from the fact that since January they have taken 22 points from a possible 30, only being beaten by the top two teams in the division. An excellent showing from a team playing its first season of league hockey.

Match Day Squad: McManus, S. Sheikh, Foster, Aitken, T. Sheikh, Spencer, Hillary, Berry, Kumar, Ainscow, Cooke, Butler, Robinson, Stoneman.

Bury Prove Too Strong For Didsbury

2006-04-01T13:49:00.000+01:00

Didsbury Northern Men's 6s 2-3 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

This game had it all. Two Didsbury players wearing the same shirt number, an umpire who asked, before push back, if he could only officiate half of the match and be replaced by another player and a stunning display of resilience from Bury.

The game itself was an open contest with both teams showing good attacking intent. Bury, in particular, were able to exert good pressure on the home defence, down the left wing, as several sixteen yard hits were fired beyond their target and out of play. The Old Boys should have taken the lead early on, when a short corner crashed off the angle of post and bar.

After quarter of an hour the Bury pressure was rewarded when Will Aitken fired home a short corner for his sixth of the season. The lead, however, was short lived as Didsbury levelled with a short corner of their own. Rather fortuitously, the ball deflected off goalkeeper and defender, before hitting the bar and landing over the goal line. Bury were then dealt a further blow when Aitken was sin binned, somewhat harshly, following a dispute with the umpire. His arguing with the umpire certainly warranted a green card, but a straight yellow seemed to bemuse both sides.

Didsbury, however, were incapable of making their one-man advantage count. Hasty rearrangements in the Bury line up worked effectively and Didsbury weren’t able to produce a shot to test goalkeeper Smith.

The second half began with both teams continuing to attack, with chances being created at either end, but the final touch always proving evasive. Finally, Didsbury pushed themselves in front with what can only be described as the softest goal Bury have conceded all season, barring the freak goal against Urmston. Neil Smith made a tremendous save at the top of his D, only for the ball to be rather weakly reverse scooped towards the goal. Somehow the four Bury players managed to flail and miss at the marginally airborne ball, which drifted into the net.

However, as has been the case since January, this seemed to have a galvanising effect on The Old Boys. They continued to press forward and were rewarded with an equaliser, when Howard Spencer lashed in his second in as many games, from the top of the D.

The Old Boys sealed the victory from another short corner. Aitken was again involved, playing a square ball to McManus, who fired an unstoppable shot past the exposed keeper.

The Old Boys must be delighted with this display, beating a Didsbury side that showed significant changes from the first match between these two sides.

Match Day Squad: Smith, S. Sheikh, Foster, Aitken, T. Sheikh, McManus, Spencer, Hillary, Hodbod, Ainscow, Robinson, Butler.

Champions Too Strong For Bury

2006-03-19T13:34:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys 1s 1-6 UCLAN 1s

On paper it appeares that, once again, the league leaders overpowered The Old Boys in comprehensive fashion. However, this was not as easy as it seemd for the newly crowned champions. For long periods of the game Bury held UCLAN at bay whilst again fashioning chances of their own.

The Old Boys' only goal of the game came when they had just gone two-nil down. A magnificent team goal, straight from the push back gave David Hodbod his eigth goal of the season and produced a contender for goal of the season.

With five minutes to go Bury had held the champions to a four - one scoreline. This may seem like a ridiculous statement, but at this point it seems reasonable to point out that UCLAN had averaged ten goals a game throughout the season.

FOSTER SEALS THE POINTS…..AGAIN

2006-03-18T13:31:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 3-2 Urmston Men's 4s

An Andy Foster goal with just thirty seconds remaining handed Bury all three points following another fiery clash with Urmston.

The Old Boys had the best of the opening exchanges, with some slick interchanges opening up the Urmston defence. The fully deserved break through came in the 22nd minute, following a long corner from the left. The ball ran across the ‘D’ and found Tariq Sheikh arriving late at the back post. His instant control and finish gave Bury the lead, as Sheikh claimed his first of the season.

Just three minutes later The Old Boys extended their lead. Following more good play from the midfield the ball was delivered to Cooke; although his shot was saved, the rebound fell to Berry who wasted no time in firing the ball goal-wards. However, Berry was denied his fourth of the season when an Urmston defender blatantly kicked the ball off the line. From the resultant penalty stroke, a composed Howard Spencer gave Bury a two goal cushion.

The Old Boys maintained their lead until half time. However, after the restart Urmston gained the upper hand and quickly pulled a goal back from a short corner.

With the game becoming increasingly fractious, Urmston equalised following another short corner routine. The visitors were then presented with the chance to take the lead for the first time. A forward broke clear, but keeper Neil Smith did enough to block his first effort. With Smith still stranded on the floor, the Urmston striker sliced his second effort wide of the open goal.

The Old Boys made full use of this let off as they launched one last attack. Following a corner from the right Danny Butler drilled the ball across the goal and, for the second game running, Andy Foster was on hand to give Bury a hard fought three points.

Match Day Squad: Smith, Stoneman, Aitken, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Hillary, Spencer, Foster, Hodbod, Berry, Cooke, Butler, McVittie-Mathews

Old Boys Secure Another Three Points

2006-02-25T13:28:00.000Z

Lytham St Annes Men's 6s 0-1 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

A depleted Bury side took on Lytham looking to avenge the three-one defeat earlier in the season. The task was made all the more difficult due to the absence of four of The Old Boys senior players. Smith, Aitken, Spencer and Cooke were all unavailable as Bury looked to continue their good form in 2006.

The opening ten minutes were dominated by Lytham as Bury looked to be unsettled by all the enforced changes. Tariq Sheikh cleared a short corner off his own goal line and keeper Chris McManus made several important contributions, including a fine stop when facing a Lytham forward who was clear on goal.

Gradually The Old Boys’ influence on the game grew. Hillary, Berry, Hodbod, Ainscow and Foster started to put together attacking moves that sliced Lytham open. Several chances came and went as Bury began to overpower Lytham. For long periods the ball rarely left the Lytham half and The Old Boys knew that they should have converted at least one of their chances.

The second half began as the first had ended with Bury willing to go forward and attack Lytham at every opportunity. However, Lytham fought their way back into the game and exerted pressure on the Bury defence. Lytham were now winning more short corners but the defence of McManus, Stoneman, Tariq Sheikh, Foster and Sameer Sheikh bravely blocked all of Lytham’s routines.

The Old Boys’ midfield was working overtime, breaking play up and launching determined counter attacks. In the 58th minute Hillary won the ball in midfield, it was moved via Berry, Foster and Hodbod over to the right wing where Ainscow had found space for a cross. The ball was drilled into the ‘D’ where it found Andy Foster at the far post, who calmly swept Bury into the lead.

In the remaining twelve minutes The Old Boys again had to withstand a barrage of pressure, included seven consecutive short corners. McManus made more fine stops, and the defenders succeeded in thwarting Lytham’s effort to grab an equaliser.

This was a hard-fought victory, which highlights the growing depth of The Old Boys’ squad.

Match Day Squad: McManus, Stoneman, T.Sheikh, McVittie-Mathews, S. Sheikh, Hillary, Berry, Butler, Hodbod, Ainscow, Foster.

Bury Maintain Unbeaten Run

2006-02-18T13:26:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 4-1 Prescot Men's 4s

After a week off The Old Boys were looking to move into fifth place and continue their good run of form that had seen them take ten points from a possible twelve.

Bury started strongly, testing the Prescot keeper in the opening five minutes and dominating the early exchanges. With fifteen minutes gone The Old Boys deservedly took the lead, following some incisive build up play. The ball was worked well down the left flank, eventually being crossed into the ‘D.’ Joe Ainscow’s initial effort was saved, but David Hodbod was on hand to tuck away the rebound for his seventh of the season.

As the half progressed Prescot began to come into the game, and forced a couple of short corners – the second of which was converted five minutes before half time.

Coming out for the second half, The Old Boys knew that they had to start converting the numerous chances they had been creating. However, more inspired work from the Prescot keeper kept the scores level until the forty-fifth minute.

Will Aitken’s short corner was deflected into Ainscow’s path, his good work on the by line produced a chance for James Berry, who made no mistake and put Bury back in front.

The Old Boys were now totally on top, and increased their lead in the fifty-eighth minute. More good midfield play saw the ball laid into Ainscow’s path. Unselfishly he drew the keeper out before playing a square pass to Cooke, who rolled the ball into the empty net.

The victory was confirmed two minutes from time, when Man of the Match Ainscow provided a driven cross that was turned in at the far post by Will Aitken.

This was another good display from The Old Boys – going one point clear in fifth place with five games left to play.

Match Day Squad: Smith, Stoneman, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Aitken, Berry, Spencer, Hillary, Hodbod, Ainscow, Cooke, Butler, Larmett

Ainscow Hat-trick Destroys Timperley

2006-02-04T13:22:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 7-0 Timperley Men's 5s

Unbeaten in 2006 Bury were confident going into the game with Timperley who had not managed to win since the first fixture between these sides in November. Timperley fielded a young side, with only one or two faces from the first game, whereas Bury were unchanged from the victory at Preston save for James Larmett replacing the injured Howard Spencer, and the absence of Matt Cooke.

Bury began impressively, taking advantage of their experience and were a goal up inside 2 minutes with Andy Foster sweeping home from within the D. A few minutes later Joe Ainscow turned in a second to give Bury a cushion which they should have built up further. However, they allowed Timperley more of the ball and struggled to assert themselves, but fortunately Timperley were only able to manage one shot and that went over the bar. Bury managed to add a third goal through impressive work in the area from Dave Hodbod.

Half time came and although Bury were never in danger of losing they wanted to score more goals. They had to remember to begin playing like they had started the first half, passing the ball around to create chances. Bury dominated the majority of the half with Timperley getting forward more towards the end of the game as Bury looked to add more and more goals. Neil Smith in goal was called upon to make one save as Bury’s defence coped with Timperley's young attack. Ainscow added the fourth goal, poking the ball in from close range and the fifth was a superb drilled effort from Will Aitken through a group of players from a short corner. Dave Hodbod added the sixth and his second with a sublime bit of skill, turning the ball in with his reverse stick at the post from the most acute of angles. The display was capped by man of the match Joe Ainscow finishing on the half volley from a ball crossed in from Tariq Sheikh.

Aitken had to sit out the last few seconds of the game after receiving a yellow card, but Bury would be happy to avenge the result from the first game, that now looks even more anomalous than it did at the time.

Whilst it was job done by Bury they will feel that the performance was not what they would have wanted, disjointed at times and hurried or careless at others. Match Day Squad: Smith, Stoneman, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Aitken, Foster, Hodbod, Hillary, Larmett, Berry, Ainscow, Gwinnutt, McVittie-Mathews

Report contributed by Andy Foster

Old Boys Leave It Late

2006-01-28T13:19:00.000Z

Preston Men's 5s 0-1 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

The Old Boys continued their good form in 2006 with a determined performance against Preston, on Saturday. A late goal from James Berry sealed the close win, although Bury could, and should, have had more goals.

The Old Boys had the ball in the net after just five minutes, when Matt Cooke followed up Aitken’s shot. The goal was ruled out however, as the ball had not left the circle from the earlier short corner.

The first thirty minutes saw both teams playing attacking hockey, but Bury were creating the best chances, on numerous occasions moves were simply lacking the final touch. With half an hour played however, James Larmett was brought on up front and had an immediate impact. Having beaten his man, Larmett continued to the by-line and played a superb ball into Cooke. His strike was on target and only a brilliant save from the Preston keeper kept the scores level.

In the second half The Old Boys maintained the pressure on Preston. A solid defensive base and excellent midfield play allowed Bury to dominate, creating many openings for the tireless frontmen. Mid-way through the half a right wing cross was swept towards goal by Larmett, with only the post keeping the game scoreless.

As the game progressed it seemed that a winning goal would not come Bury’s way. Aitken was moved upfront as different options were tried, in the search for the elusive winner. As a final switch, Berry was moved from midfield to attack and Foster pushed into the middle.

Finally with ten minutes remaining, The Old Boys got their reward. Good play from Spencer, Hillary and Cooke played Hodbod into a crossing position; his ball in was met first time by Andy Foster from the top of the D. Although the keeper saved the initial effort, Berry was on hand to claim the crucial goal.

This was another good performance from the Old Boys, who will look to take this form into next week’s clash with Timperley at Goshen.

Match day Squad: Smith, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Stoneman, Aitken, Foster, Hillary, Spencer, Hodbod, Ainscow, Cooke, Gwinnutt, Larmett, Berry

Points Shared in Derby Clash

2006-01-21T13:16:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 3-3 Bolton Men's 6s

The Old Boys came away with a creditable point in this derby encounter, but knew that they should really have taken all three.

The match started with sustained pressure from Bolton, as The Old Boys struggled to exert their attacking influence on the game. However, despite having the best of the possession in the opening twenty minutes, Bolton failed to test keeper Neil Smith once.

As Bury began to establish themselves, the Bolton defence was put under increasing pressure. The warning signs were present when The Old Boys had the ball in the net; only for the goal to be wiped out due to a foul that occurred after the ball had crossed the line.

Soon after, Bury did take the lead. Tariq Sheikh won the ball deep in the Bolton half, and played Ainscow into a good position. His fierce cross flew towards the back of the D, where Matt Cooke was on hand to grab his second goal in two games. The Old Boys continued to press but could not add to their lead before half time.

Bolton started the second half well and quickly scored an equaliser. However Bury responded well, and continued to push forward. Their efforts were rewarded when David Hodbod finished a short corner at the near post, following Aitken’s shot.

The Old Boys began to produce some excellent hockey and further increased their lead when Hodbod got his second. A ball in from the right was deftly touched round the advancing Bolton keeper, giving Bury a two-goal cushion.

Bolton now pushed more men up field in search of goals and with fifteen minutes left they claimed their second goal to reduce the deficit. Finally, with only five minutes remaining Bolton secured a draw, when the ball was deflected past Smith from only a yard out.

Match day Squad: Smith, Stoneman, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Foster, Spencer, Hillary, Hodbod, Ainscow, Cooke, Shori, Gwinnutt, Aitken

Old Boys Edge Tight Game

2006-01-14T13:13:00.000Z

Brooklands MU Men's 7s 1-2 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

The Old Boys returned from the Christmas break in positive mood, boosted by the agreement of a new sponsorship deal with Carcraft. However, several late withdrawals saw Bury having to take on third placed Brooklands, with only eleven men.

The Old Boys were undaunted, and started the match with a new look formation, which saw Will Aitken play as a sweeper and allowed Matt Cooke to be pushed further forward. Both moves were to prove telling.

The game started with end-to-end action, with both sides pouring forward whenever they could. Bury’s attacking threat was added to by the willingness of both full-backs, Tariq Sheikh and Andy Foster, to support the attack whenever possible. Whilst both sides pressed, neither created a shot on target until midway through the first half.

Quick play from The Old Boys saw the ball moved swiftly from back to front. Joe Ainscow received the ball, and played an incisive pass through to fellow forward Matt Cooke. As the ball bounced awkwardly, Cooke applied an instinctive first time finish past the advancing keeper, to give Bury the lead. The Old Boys then exerted considerable pressure on the Brooklands defence, but were unable to add to their lead, despite some excellent play from the Bury midfield of Hodbod, Berry, Spencer and Hillary.

As half time approached Brooklands had a series of short corners. However, excellent defending from Sameer Sheikh and Andrew Foster, coupled with two outstanding saves from Neil Smith, meant that Bury went in at halftime with their lead intact.

The second half again saw both teams attacking at every opportunity. Whilst the Bury defence stood firm, marshalled superbly by Aitken, the attack began to create more openings. The Old Boys deservedly moved further in front fifteen minutes into the second half, following some excellent play from Cooke. His neat turn and measured pass gave Ainscow a clear sight of goal. The forward powered the ball home to claim his fourth of the season.

Shortly afterwards Cooke had the ball in the net again, but his effort was ruled out following a seemingly innocuous foul. The lack of substitutes forced the Old Boys onto the back foot, as Brooklands threw more men forward. Eventually their pressure told as, with ten minutes remaining, they grabbed a goal following a scramble in the circle. More pressure followed but The Old Boys held firm to take a hard fought three points, and start the second half of the season on a positive note.

Match Day Squad: Smith, Aitken, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Foster, Hillary, Spencer, Berry, Hodbod, Ainscow, Cooke

Old Boys Can't Stop League Leaders

2005-12-03T13:00:00.000Z

UCLAN 1s 9-0 Bury Grammar School Old Boys 1s

Whilst the score-line suggests a one sided hammering handed out by the unbeaten league leaders, the truth isn't actually quite as bad as that.

True, 9-0 in anyone's book is a heavy defeat but this was certainly not one sided. The Old Boys had their chances, several of them in fact. It was only an inspired display from the UCLAN keeper, and the width of the post that stopped Bury from getting on the scoresheet themselves.

Still, even with these efforts UCLAN would have been victorious. Everything they hit seemed to go in, if it was on target, it was just one of those days. Credit must go to the Preston-based side who have stormed their way to the league title in an unbeaten season.

Bury Go Down Fighting

2005-12-03T12:25:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 2-5 Ormskirk 1s

Despite losing 5-2 on Saturday, it was not all doom and gloom for the Old Boys. Going into the match, Bury knew they were in for a tough time. Not only were they missing five players, but the Old Boys were facing a team with many players who had competed in Division 5 for St Helens during the previous season.

A half-time score of three nil to Ormskirk, would suggest that they overran the home side. Indeed had Tariq Sheikh and Neil Smith not made vital interventions the score-line could have been worse. However, Bury were actually well in the game. Aitken and Larmett both had chances to ensure a closer half time score, and another threatening attack was abruptly halted when James Larmett was scythed down having beaten his man. The Old Boys attacking threat was ensuring that Ormskirk could not relax.

Ormskirk quickly added a fourth, in the opening minutes of the second half, but far from being dispirited, Bury then dominated the remainder of the game. The reshuffled Bury defence of Stoneman, Sheikh, Cheung and Foster stuck to their task, whilst the midfield and attack proceeded to create a succession of chances, leaving the Ormskirk defence reeling.

In the 46th minute the Old Boys got their reward when James Berry swept home a right wing cross. The Bury pressure did not relent and Berry was soon denied a second goal by the Ormskirk keeper.

With the ball almost constantly in the Ormskirk half, the Old Boys thought they had a second when Aitken fired home a short corner. However, the goal was ruled out and in the ensuing moments of confusion, a lack of concentration allowed Ormskirk to steal in for their fifth.

But still Bury refused to give up. On several occasions desperate goal line clearances were all that stood between the Old Boys and more goals.

Finally, with only two minutes remaining, Bury got a fully deserved and long overdue second goal, when Hodbod produced an excellent finish following Spencer’s forceful run.

Again, Bury must take the positives from this fixture as they continue to learn from their first season of league hockey.

Match Day Squad: Smith, Stoneman, T. Sheikh, Cheung, Foster, Berry, Spencer, Larmett, Robinson, Hodbod, Aitken, Gwinnutt

Bury Rue Missed Chances

2005-11-26T12:20:00.000Z

Urmston Men's 4s 2-1 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

Bury left the pitch on Saturday knowing that the score line did not reflect their performance.

After last week’s game, captain Sameer Sheikh, had asked for more incisive build up play – and his team responded.

With David Hodbod playing in a more advanced position, Bury produced some of their best hockey of the season. One and two touch passing carved Urmston’s defence open throughout the game, however the Old Boys lacked the killer touch in front of goal. Under such pressure, Urmston’s only escape route were long balls to their lone striker.

It was one of these instances that lead to Urmston taking the lead, against the run of play. A tame shot was turned towards the by-line by Sameer Sheikh. With no support available, the Urmston striker aimlessly played the ball back into the middle. There was no apparent danger until the ball bounced, and span wickedly towards the net. The wrong-footed defence could do nothing but watch the ball trickle into the net.

Bury applied more pressure but still couldn’t apply the finishing touch to equalise before half time, with both Aitken and Robinson going close.

The second half started in fiery fashion with Tariq Sheikh and an Urmston forward being sin binned after a scuffle broke out, following the man handling of the Bury captain.

Eventually Bury’s pressure and dominance paid off. In the 55th minute Ian Hillary crashed home a short corner to level the scores. Bury then laid siege to the Urmston goal with Foster, Aitken, McManus and Berry all going close.

However, it was another of Urmston’s long balls that helped them to clinch the game. A piercing free hit picked out the only Urmston player in the D, his first time sliding finish was enough to steal a fortuitous victory for the home side.

Bury must take the positives out of this game and focus on taking chances in order to finish teams off.

Match Day Squad: Roberts, T. Sheikh, Cheung, McManus, S. Sheikh, Foster, Hillary, Spencer, Ainscow, Hodbod, Aitken, Berry, Gwinnutt, Robinson.

A Game of Two Halves

2005-11-19T12:17:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 0-4 Didsbury Northern Men's 6s

A somewhat depleted Bury side took on Didsbury 6s this Saturday. Although missing captain Sameer Sheikh and winger Andy Foster, The Old Boys were boosted by the return of regular keeper Neil Smith.

A tight first half saw defences on top, with clear cut chances at a premium. Although Bury had several promising moves, the final ball often failed to reach its target. At the other end, the reshuffled defence and tireless midfield did well to deny Didsbury any clear opportunities.

Halfway through the second half, a stroke of luck fell Didsbury's way. The ball found its way through a ruck of players at the top of the 'D', and was tucked away by a Didsbury striker. The Old Boys were then dealt a further blow, when centre back Matt Cooke joined Jacky Cheung on the sidelines. As Bury rearranged their defence for the third time, Didsbury capitalised and stole a second goal.

With ten minutes remaining, Bury knew they had to push forward. However, they were twice caught on the counter attack, leading to a somewhat harsh scoreline.

As it stands Bury are comfortably in mid-table, but know they must become more incisive, if they are to put pressure on the top teams.

Match Day Squad: Smith, Stoneman, T. Shiekh, Cheung, Spencer, Aitken, Hillary, Hodbod, Robinson, Cooke, Ainscow, Gwinnutt, Larmett, Berry

Last Minute Winner Sinks Old Boys

2005-11-12T12:03:00.000Z

Bury Grammar School Old Boys 0-1 Brooklands 7s

This was a hard fought game which demonstrated that The Old Boys are capable of competing with the top teams in the division.

As the score-line suggests this was a very close game, sealed in the final moments in controversial fashion. The Old Boys had matched the Manchester side for much of the game, creating numerous chances of their own, whilst dealing with the threat posed by the opposition forwards. Bury bounced back well from last week's defeat at Timperley, pushing Brooklands all the way.

When the goal finally came, it was from a short corner. Bury had blocked several earlier efforts through the work of Cheung, Stoneman, Tariq Sheikh and Sameer Sheikh. However, this time, the defensive runner was seemingly blocked by a Brooklands forward, allowing time and space for a shot. The umpire saw nothing wrong with the passage of play and awarded the goal, giving Brooklands a narrow victory.

Still, credit must go to Bury. This was a team relgated from division nine last season, to hold them for as long as The Old Boys did shows much promise for the future.

A Scoreline With A Ring To It

2005-11-06T11:50:00.000Z

Timperley Men's 5s 7-0 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

They say the table never lies. Third from bottom Timperley with one win in five, and only five goals, hosted Bury Grammar Old Boys, third in the league, with the second best defensive record. This game was played on a Sunday due to a postponement, needless to say BGSOB have learnt that sometimes it’s better to play on a Saturday with nine men, rather than to hand your opponents an advantage on the Sunday.

This result seems all the more bizarre when compared to the two clubs' progress as the season went on. This was the last game Timperley won, and in all the following fixtures they only managed to score once in a game. As the season ended Timperley finished bottom of the league whilst The Old Boys went on to claim fifth place in their debut season. When looking at these facts only one word springs to mind when looking at this result. I'm sure you can work out what it is.

OLD BOYS TAKE DERBY POINTS

2005-11-05T11:36:00.000Z

Bolton Men's 6s 1-2 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

The Old Boys approached their first derby game looking to claim a victory that would send them into the top three.

The game started evenly with both sides using the ball well when in possession, but also standing firm in defence.

After fifteen minutes however, a well drilled ball into the Bury ‘D’ was turned in from point blank range, to edge Bolton in front.

Bury responded by upping the tempo and having their best spell of the game. With 28 minutes gone, a good move on the right from Tariq Sheikh and David Hodbod resulted in a free hit at the top of the ‘D’. Spencer struck the ball towards goal and Joe Ainscow was on hand to deftly deflect the ball past the stranded Bolton keeper

The Old Boys pushed for a second, but were made to wait until the 60th minute before breaking through. Good work from Robinson on the left saw the ball shifted to Ainscow. His pass was touched on by Hodbod to Aitken, who finished well for his third of the season.

Bury were indebted to Hugh Bearn whose fine double save kept the score at 2-1, as Bolton pushed for an equaliser. However, Bury held firm to take the points and move into third place.

Match Day Squad: Bearn, T. Sheikh, Cheung, Cooke, S. Sheikh, Hodbod, Hillary, Foster, Berry, Robinson, Spencer, Ainscow, Aitken.

Bury Sneak Tight Contest

2005-10-29T13:30:00.000+01:00

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 1-0 Preston 5s

Bury were looking to capitalise on the impressive display against Didsbury with another home fixture against Preston.

The first half was mainly contested in the midfield area with The Old Boys breaking on numerous occasions with Cooke on the right, Berry and Robinson on the left and Aitken through the middle. However, they were thwarted by some solid defending from the Preston back-line, and some final balls that were not as accurate as Bury knew they were capable of.

The breakthrough that The Old Boys wanted came early in the second half, with a ball from Spencer, that via Foster found Hodbod on the right. He drove on and rode tackles and, from the edge of the 'D', drove in a ball that was swept in by an unmarked Foster, to break the deadlock.

Bury saw the game out to record a 1-0 victory and their first clean sheet of the season, to push them to fourth in the table, four points off the pace with a game in hand.

Match Day Squad: McManus, T. Sheikh, S. Sheikh, Cheung, Stoneman, Spencer, Hillary, Hodbod, Foster, Robinson, Aitken, Cooke, Berry, McVittie-Mathews

Didsbury Hit For Six

2005-10-15T13:30:00.000+01:00

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 6-2 Didsbury Northern 7s

Bury returned to winning ways this week following their defeat to Lytham last Saturday.

The Old Boys started well producing slick, confident hockey which provided Will Aitken with the chance to open the scoring after just two minutes. A right wing cross was converted by the front man to give Bury the perfect start.

The lead was doubled in the 12th minute when Didsbury failed to clear a short corner. As the ball rebounded across the 'D', Sameer Sheikh was on hand to sweep it into the net.

Further good work on the left from Robinson, Hodbod, Hillary and Ainscow in the 21st minute allowed Aitken to add a third. Two minutes before half time, a momentary lapse in concentration in the Bury defence allowed Didsbury to grab a goal.

However, just a minute later, The Old Boys' three goal advantage was restored as Andy Foster turned the ball in at the near post from a tight angle, for his first of the season.

With 45 minutes gone, another piece of incisive play from Aitken, Hillary and Hodbod put Joe Ainscow clean through to make it 5-1.

Didsbury again responded with another wave of pressure - winning a short corner which was converted at the third attempt.

Eight minutes from time the Bury midfield of Robinson, Aitken, Foster, Hillary and Hodbod combined beautifully to create a one-on-one chance for Joe Ainscow's second and The Old Boys' sixth.

Bury Fail To Build On Good Start

2005-10-08T01:17:00.000+01:00

Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s 1-3 Lytham St Annes Men's 6s

Following the previous weeks victory away at Prescott, it was Bury's turn to host Lytham St Annes in their first home game at Goshen. Bury were looking to build on their promising start to the season on a rainy day in Bury.

Bury started well but it was quickly evident that the swift, confident passing hockey that had worked so well against Prescott was struggling to show itself. After a few good moves Bury conceded an early short corner which resulted in a Lytham goal, the ball being tucked away at the near post at the third time of asking.

This seemed to undermine Bury,s confidence and they struggled to move the ball effectively for the next 20 minutes. It was during this time that Chris Stoneman for Bury had to clear a shot from his own line and Bury conceding another soft goal from a short corner. After this period Bury picked their game up and began to move the ball well, creating chances and James Larmett was unlucky not to score from close range. Bury continued to press and sensed that a goal was coming. Just before half time Jackie Chung intercepted a Lytham through ball and the ball was worked incisively via Matt Cooke, Ian Hillary and Will Aitken through midfield for David Hodbod and Andy Foster to chase into the area. It was Hodbod who connected with the ball sending it past the Lytham keeper to reduce the deficit.

Lytham began the second half and appeared to rely on the long ball in hope of scoring again rather than meaningful attack. Bury again struggled to assert their authority and fell behind to another short corner routine, this time the ball being lifted into the top corner from inside the edge of the D.

Again motivated Bury began to push for more goals and began to dominate the attack. Aitken Hodbod and Ainscow produced some flowing hockey to create openings up front and Foster put wide from a through ball from Xander Robinson. Robinson also went close but failed to connect with the ball at the near post with the keeper beaten. Lytham continued to use the long ball and Bury had to soak up periods of pressure in their own D.

That aside Bury know that they must do better but the talent is there and hopefully yesterday's performance will be the exception rather than the norm.

Bury Team: Chris McManus, Tariq Sheikh, Sam Sheikh, Jackie Chung, Chris Stoneman, Ian Hillary, Matt Cooke, Xander Robinson, Joe Ainscow, Will Aitken, Andy Foster. Subs: James Larmett, Mark Gwinnutt, Stuart McVitie-Matthews, David Hodbod, James Berry

Report contributed by Andy Foster

Old Boys Off To Winning Start

2005-10-02T03:00:00.000+01:00

Prescot Men's 4s 1-3 Bury Grammar School Old Boys Men's 1s

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Bury Grammar School Old Boys got their season off to the perfect start with a 3-1 victory over Prescot.

Bury began brightly, dominating first half possession, but failing to produce the finishing touch. Twice they came close to opening the scoring, Andy Foster narrowly failing to connect with a ball into the D and Xander Robinson inches away from converting a short corner. Prescot occasionally threatened on the counter attack, but created few clear cut oppotunities, leading to a scoreless first half.

A sluggish start to the second half cost Bury dear, as an opportunist strike from the edge of the D gave Prescot the lead four minutes in. In response Bury upped the pressure and returned to their passing game, gaining their reward in the 44th minute. Following a scramble in the D, Rishi Shori pounced to sweep home the equaliser.

In the 58th minute sustained Bury pressure resulted in a short corner, which was dispatched by captain Sameer Sheikh to give Bury a deserved lead. Minutes later Bury had keeper Neil Smith to thank for maintaining their lead as he made a vital save following a rare Prescot break.

The game was made safe three minutes from time when Xander Robinson finished off a slick passing move involving Hillary, Aitken, Cooke, Ainscow and Foster for the goal of the game.

Match Day Squad: Smith, Stoneman, Cheung, Sheikh T, Sheikh S, Hillary, Cooke, Foster, Robinson, Ainscow, Shori, Aitken and Berry