Match report: Bury AFC 2 – 0 Abbey Hey

Abbey Hey’s run in this year’s Isuzu FA Vase comes to an end as they are defeated 2-0 by Bury AFC in the third round of the competition.

The first opportunity of the game came in the fourth minute of the game as a driven corner from Jake Dunford found Jack Tuohy at the front post, who’s shot was blazed over the bar from close range.

Bury AFC opened the scoring after an Anton Smith flick-on made its way into the path of Niall Cummings, who struck the ball on the half volley and into the Abbey Hey goal to put the hosts 1-0 up.

Abbey Hey almost leveled the scoring through a splendid effort from Ben McNamara. A stray clearance from the Bury AFC goalkeeper found the midfielder who shot from 40 yards out, only for Atkinson to spare his blushes and palm the ball into safety.

The game went into half-time with the home side in front by a goal to nil, with everything still left to play for, and Abbey Hey looking to get themselves back into the tie.

The Abbey almost got themselves level in the 58th minute after a Jack Tuohy free-kick almost found the head of Darrhyl Mason, who ushered the ball just past the Bury AFC post.

Just moments later, the home side increased their advantage after a lofted cross into the penalty area from the Bury AFC captain Jono Hunt made its way over the Abbey hey goalkeeper and into the top corner of the goal, putting his side 2-0 up and in the driving seat to advance into the next round.

Bury AFC looked to put the game to bed, after an Anton Smith shot was cleared off the line by Joel Bembo-Leta, who gave Abbey Hey a glimmer of hope that they could still get something from the game.

In the dying moments of the game, Abbey Hey almost got one goal back after a Darryl Grant free-kick wasn’t dealt with by the Bury AFC defense, and forced a superb save from Jack Atkinson.

Full time saw Bury AFC advance into the fourth round of the FA Vase with all Abbey Hey eyes now looking ahead to Tuesday, when we host Cheadle Heath at the Abbey Stadium. Kick off is at 7:45pm, as we continue our league campaign in the North West Counties First Division South.

Match report by Derek Fairclough