Bury FC Development Team Fall To Manchester Laces FC Teal Squad Women

In a gripping encounter at Gigg Lane on 27 October 2024, Bury FC Development Team faced off against Manchester Laces FC Teal Squad Women, ultimately succumbing to a 4-2 defeat. The match kicked off at 1:15pm, with both teams eager to secure vital league points.

Bury lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creativity in attack. Ava Powell took her place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Eleanor Irvine and Jane Mechen as right and left defenders respectively, with Susan Howard and Katie Worsick forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Natalie Kirk and Charlotte Pearson operated as central midfielders, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. The attacking trio featured Rubi Leach on the right, Gemma Hodcroft in the central role, and Hermione Barlow on the left, with Daisi Daniels leading the line as the striker.

The substitutes for Bury included Hannah Skinner, Danielle Halliday, Rachel Todd, Fran Sharples, and Gemma Kershaw, who were poised to make an impact as the match progressed.

Bury started brightly, taking the lead in the 15th minute when Gemma Hodcroft found the net, assisted by Daisi Daniels. This early goal filled the home side with confidence, but their joy was short-lived as Manchester Laces equalised just three minutes later, levelling the score at 1-1.

As the first half unfolded, Bury maintained their attacking intent, but the visitors began to assert themselves. The half-time whistle blew with the score still at 1-1, prompting tactical changes from Bury as they sought to regain control of the match.

The second half saw Manchester Laces take the initiative, scoring their second goal in the 59th minute to take a 2-1 lead. In response, Bury made a substitution, bringing on Rubi Leach for Hermione Barlow due to injury, hoping to inject some fresh energy into their attack. However, it was the visitors that struck again and added a third goal in the 69th minute, leaving Bury trailing 3-1.

Bury made further changes, introducing Fran Sharples for Daisi Daniels in the 70th minute and Gemma Kershaw for Susan Howard in the 74th minute, as they looked to turn the tide. And it worked as Bury managed to pull one back in the dying moments of the match, with Hodcroft scoring her second goal of the game in the 88th minute, again assisted by Daniels. However, despite this late surge Manchester Laces scored again in the 90th minute, extending their lead to 4-2, thanks to a dubious penalty, and that was how it would finish.

The match showcased moments of promise for Bury, particularly from Hodcroft, who was instrumental in their attacking play. Player of the Match was Katie Worsick, who put on a superb defensive display, keeping the Laces striker quiet. Despite the loss, there were signs of resilience and potential that they will hope to build upon in future fixtures.