Dogged win preserves promotion push

Bury ladies 4s welcomed Felixstowe 2s to Culford expecting a hard game. The away fixture had been a tight win and our opponents had recently drawn with table toppers Castaways and scored 11 the previous week. They might be mid-table now but that reflected a very slow start to the season. This was going to be a challenge.

And so it proved. In a very open game, a robust Felixstowe side weren’t going to sit back like so many; they were going to give it a right go. So while Bury’s defence was tested by an opposition happy to press forward, there was rarely seen space behind them if Bury could release passes early enough.

Bury took the lead when such a pass found Alice Freeman on the left hand side of the D with a free run into goal. Her cross/shot was tapped home by Bella Bridgeman at the far post. Spurred on by this Bury soon doubled their lead, when Jenny Clark fully tested Bella’s speed on the right wing to put her behind Felixstowe’s defence. Having done the work to get there Bella picked out Kathryn Mitchell with an early cross. Kathryn did the rest. It was a demonstration of the quick counter attack we can complete.

Felixstowe kept coming though and several corners were scrambled to safety, Ella Brisbane especially showing the virtue of clearing off the side of the pitch. However there were too many exciting moments around Bury’s goal and eventually Felixstowe converted from close quarters, our first concession in over 500 minutes of league hockey.

Somewhat chastened Bury restored the two goal lead within two minutes. An interception in midfield was moved forward early to Kathryn who passed quickly to Jenny in splendid isolation in the opposition 23. Jenny executed a perfect spin around the keeper to score. Bury added to their lead from an effective press, creating the chance for Jenny to steal the ball 7 yards out and finish.

With a 4-1 halftime lead Bury hoped to close the game out but Felixstowe were having none of it and kept pressing as both sides created more chances without fully testing either keeper. Bury could have scored several more but the final goal came for Felixstowe from another scrambled close range effort giving Kerry Woods no chance. It’s a testament to the Felixstowe 11 how many of our 15 were blowing hard by the end.

Three points keeps Bury 4s in second place before a trip to unbeaten table topping Castaways next Saturday. The game was a good preparation for what will be a full on challenge.