Report on the division two match between Bury Rangers v Abbey College United

Bury Rangers hosted Abbey College United at Brookfield Way on Sunday, and managed to maintain their record of remaining undefeated in league matches against them.

Kev Colam was able to welcome Adam Wright and captain, Josh Parker back into the side after they both missed last week. Dan Waller made his full debut at left back whilst Ben Colam partnered Mark White up front, replacing Reuben Cadman.
AC United kicked off the game and immediately it proved to be an interesting game, as AC striker, Ricky Darlow, forced an early save out of Jamie Chamberlain.

With both teams trying to force an opening in the other teams defence, a breakthrough came around the 20 minute mark as Terry Fordham conceeded a freekick following a heavy and late tackle. Fordham subsequently received a booking for it. The resulting free-kick floated over Jamie Chamberlain and was slotted home from close range by AC captain Matt Stevenson.

However the lead didn’t last for long, as free kick was awarded to The Smurfs 35 yards out. After hearing encouragement from the home fans to try his luck, FORDHAM expertly combined power and accuracy as he managed to put the ball into the top left corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper completely stranded
With the half drawing to a close, Bury were forced into making a change in goal as Chamberlain was withdrawn with a previously sustained thumb injury. Kev Colam made the decision to place Connor McEwen in goal, a decision that McEwen was clearly unhappy with.

Soon after another free-kick was awarded to the Smurfs onm the halfway line. Fordham stepped up once again. This time however the keeper managed to divert the ball over the crossbar just in time to prevent another stunning free kick.
Half Time: Bury Rangers 1-1 Abbey College United
Colam made 2 changes at half time. Chamberlain was re-introduced into the game, this time playing up top, replacing Steve Ward. Ben Colam was also replaced by Cadman.

The second half was similar to the first with a lot of challenges being made, several attempts at goal and the two defences having to work extremely hard to fend of the strikers.

AC United managed to get themselves ahead again when after Bury failed to clear the ball from a freekick, the ball fell to Tom Heyes who hit a nice volley past McEwen. The stand-in keeper later admitting he probably could have done better.
Bury equalised later on with the goal coming from another free kick. As the Smurfs pursued an equalising goal, White was fouled 5 yards outside the 18 yard box. and PARKER stepped up and curled the ball into the right hand corner of the net.
Despite conceding AC attempted on numerous occasions to regain their lead but confident McEwen saw of their attempts, despite being beaten once but fortunately Parker was there to clear off the line.

With 10 minutes remaining the Smurfs pressed ferociously to gain the upper hand but several attempts went wide. One in particular from Chamberlain took a massive deflection off of centre-back Matt Stevenson, skimming the upright.


Full Time: Bury Rangers 2-2 Abbey College United
MOTM: Connor McEwen
Officials: Richard Stephen