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Team Line Up
Muzza
Stu
Craig
Neil S
Wozza
Alan
Kev
Carl (Capt)
Ant
Graeme
Nev
Subs: Bob,
Mark Hothersall,
Johnny Raf,
Little Si
The game at Bury's bitter rivals back in November ended in a 4-1 win to the Shakers, with diminutive winger Kev grabbing a brace.
The return game at Goshen Sports Centre on a sunny Saturday morning delivered what was expected - a tough game between 2 teams both fighting for points and bragging rights.
The game began with both teams trying to play a passing game and gain control of the midfield.
On a Rochdale breakaway, a foul by Brassy, aka Stu, gave Rochdale a free kick in a dangerous position. Luckily for the Shakers the danger passed almost unnoticed as the ball sailed well over The Cats goal.
Seconds later and the ball found itself bobbling around the Dale penalty box. Graeme stretched and poked a ball at goal, and the Bury hitmans instincts proved correct as the ball evaded the outstretched Rochdale keeper and gently rippled the bottom corner for one nil to Bury.
The lead was almost doubled shortly afterwards when a ball from Stu was well brought down and controlled by Nev, who turned well and shot, only to see his looping shot sail just wide.
As the first half drew to a close with both teams still trying to wrestle control of the midfield and the game, a throw in by Dale was headed across his own box by Craig, who was a very relieved man to see the shot fired just wide of Murrays goal.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with both teams trying desperately to get a stranglehold of the match
Rochdale were proving to be a strong team to break down and were creating chances themselves.
Bury were also creating chances, continuously looking to increase their lead and keep pace with League leaders Preston and 2nd placed Shrewsbury Town.
A long ball via a free kick from Carl sailed over the entire Rochdale defence, superbly finding Graeme at the back stick who attempted an extragavant scissor kick, which unfortunately for both Graeme and Bury was just off target.
With not long left to go in the game, a number of substitutions were made by Manager Mark Hothersall. Alan and Kev were replaced by Little Si and Bob, and the Bury Manager himself went on to replace Wozza at left back.
Despite some heavy Bury pressure and multiple chances, Rochdale claimed an equaliser.
With Rochdale attacking down the middle of the field, the ball was with one of their strikers at the back post who turned to play a high ball into the box. The ball appeared to strike Neil's arm. Although the Bury centre-half later fervently denied it had struck his arm, it did seem to most watching that the ball had hit him on the arm and so it's easy to see why a penalty was given.
The ball was slotted to Chris Murrays right hand side, but the Bury stopper did extremely well to get his hand to it.
WIth the wind now well and truly in Dales sails, they pushed for a winner.
Hearts were in Bury's mouths as Craig cleared off the line, and right at the end, Chris Murray, who under the cirumstances maybe would have been better wearing a blue suit with red underpants over the top with a yellow S on his top, punced at the feet of a Daley just as the shot was coming in.
All in all a fair result between two battling sides who both fought a very fair and just game.
All credit must go to both sides for playing an entertaining of football, and also to the referee for allowing the game to flow and controlling the game well.
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