PRESTON BOYS...1

BURY BOYS...2

English Schools Football Association NUT U-15 Trophy First Round

IN their first competitive match of the season Bury had a difficult first round away tie with Preston at the outstanding Preston Sports Arena.

The Boys had to adjust quickly to the high standard of town team football and to their credit after early difficulties were worthy winners.

In the early stages Preston had the edge and were quicker to the base and after only ten minutes took the lead with a powerful free kick, which evaded the defensive wall and gamekeeper Mark Winder (Woodhey) no chance. Gradually the Bury Boys got to grips with the pace of the game and with Ross Jones (Castlebrook) and Andy Sagar (Elton) working solid in the heart of the defence, chances for Preston became fewer.

However, Bury faced a very tricky moment when keeper Winder failed to reach a dipping 30 yard free kick which appeared to give Preston a 2-0 lead only for the referee pointing out that their kick was indirect. A sigh of relief all round and the turning point.

Bury began creating chances and the Preston defence were unable to cope with the speed of Bury striker Adam Edwards (Prestwich) who went close on several occasions.

Ten minutes into the second half Bury got the equaliser they deserved when Edwards finished in style from close range.

Ten minutes later he was there again with a high speed finish to put Bury 2-1 up.

Bury's passing was now much improved and more and more chances were being made and both Edwards and Ross Buckley (St. Monica's) went close in a fine second half performance. It is early days yet and the squad is not finalised, but this was a great start for the boys who play Tameside at home in round two.

Tomorrow their opponents are Manchester in their first MEN League away game.