Bury FC Development Team Fall To Wilmslow Albion Women

In a closely contested league match at Oakwood Farm, Styal, on 15 September 2024, Bury FC Development Team faced off against Wilmslow Albion Women, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 2:00 PM, in wet conditions which would lead to a scrappy affair, and despite a spirited performance, Bury could not secure the points they desired.

Bury FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ava Powell stationed in goal. The defensive line consisted of Eleanor Irvine on the right, Susan Howard and Jade Kilduff as central defenders, and Katie Worsick on the left. In midfield, Charlotte Pearson and Danielle Halton operated centrally, while Paige Massey, Gemma Hodcroft, and Hermione Barlow provided attacking support, with Daisi Daniels leading the line as the striker. The substitutes for Bury included Jane Mechen, Devon Booth, Danielle Halliday, Hannah Skinner, and Fran Sharples.

The match began with an early setback for Bury as Paige Massey had to be substituted in the fifth minute due to injury, making way for Jane Mechen. Despite this disruption, Bury managed to hold their ground until the 25th minute when Wilmslow Albion Women broke the deadlock, scoring the first goal of the match.

Bury responded positively and found an equaliser in the 34th minute. Daisi Daniels showcased her striking prowess by converting a long pass from Eleanor Irvine with her right foot, scoring from inside the box and bringing the score to 1-1.

At half-time, Bury made tactical changes, bringing on Devon Booth and Danielle Halliday for Gemma Hodcroft and Charlotte Pearson respectively for the second half.

The second half saw Bury continue to battle, but in the 58th minute, they made another tactical substitution, with Hannah Skinner replacing Eleanor Irvine. However, the match took another turn when Fran Sharples came on for Danielle Halton in the 61st minute due to injury concerns.

In the 66th minute, Bury made yet another change, with Gemma Hodcroft returning to the pitch in place of Hermione Barlow, who also had to leave the field due to injury.

Wilmslow Albion Women regained the lead in the 72nd minute, scoring from a goalmouth scramble, with the ball finding its way into the net from close range, putting Bury behind 2-1.

Bury continued to push for an equaliser and made their final tactical substitutions in the 79th minute, with Danielle Halton returning to the pitch for Katie Worsick and Charlotte Pearson coming on for Jane Mechen, and switching to a back 3. Despite their efforts, Bury could not find the back of the net again, and the match concluded with Wilmslow Albion Women taking all three points.

Jane Mechen was recognised as the Player of the Match for her impactful performance following her early introduction. Bury FC Development Team will look to regroup and bounce back in their next fixture after a hard-fought encounter.