Lancaster City, Tue 25th Aug, 7:45PM (H)
Bailey Sloane was the hero scoring a late winner for Bury in a 1-0 victory at Gainsborough Trinity. In a match that often felt lethargic and lacking in quality a moment of magic at either end from the Shakers’ young centre back ensured a happy ending for the travelling Bury faithful.
Manager Anthony Johnson named an unchanged starting eleven and bench as the Shakers looked to make amends for their defeat in midweek. Jonno however was forced to make a change almost immediately when Rustam Stepans went down injured after only a couple of minutes and was replaced by James Melhado.
In contrast to the lighting quick start to their last match Bury struggled to put the hosts under much pressure. While they could win the ball and keep possession it was not translating into chances.
If there was to be a Bury goal Kai Evans would be at the heart of it, he put his marker on his heels often but couldn’t find the finishing touch. One shot by Evans was fumbled by Trinity keeper David Robson who had to scoop the loose ball off the line. Tom Carr following up fell over the keeper but any optimistic penalty appeals were waved away.
As halftime approached the home side grew into the match sending a few set pieces into the Bury box but goalkeeper Mitch Allen didn’t face a meaningful shot as both sides drew a blank.
After the break Bury seemed to have more attacking intent. Evans again the creator cut inside from the left and shot on goal. A defender blocked the shot with what the referee judged to be his flank, not his arm as Bury fans behind the goal claimed.
Evans again on the charge managed to get in behind the defence and from a tight angle forced a shot Robson could only parry. Tom Carr following up on the rebound was denied a goal by a header off the line by a Gainsborough defender.
Turning to the bench Mo Touray and Luca Navarro were introduced and nearly made an instant impact, Carr’s throughball reached Navarro but his shot was blocked out for a corner.
As the match entered its closing stages the hosts had a couple of great chances to snatch all three points. Connor Brown finding himself one on one with Allen placed his shot wide of goal though the offside flag would have ruled it out anyway.
Javelle Clarke got closer still only minutes later presented with the same one on one chance. He beat Mitch Allen with the shot but while some home fans were already celebrating Bailey Sloane raced back and managed to hook the ball away from goal off the line.
In the 89th minute Bury won another corner. Their set pieces had been underwhelming all day but Leo Graham sent over a fine effort and at the back post in a crowded box Bailey Sloane rose highest to win it at the death.
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