Vauxhall Motors beat Bury AFC 1-0 at Seel Park on Tuesday night in a clash between two NWCFL Premier Division promotion chasers.
Michael Burkey, who netted the winner away at Squires Gate, found the net once again to put his side into the lead and terrific defending by Mick McGraa’s backline sealed the all important three points.
Match report by Ethan Hoijord.
There was a slow start to the game as both defences ensured the game would be a cagey affair.
However, Vauxhall should have opened the scoreline twenty minutes in when Lewis Buckley’s cross fell to Jake Parker at the back post but the forward failed to convert.
Bury AFC started to grow into the tie ten minutes later but great blocks by The Motors defence saw the ball kept out of Samuel Booth’s harm.
On the stroke of half time, as Booth came out to collect the ball he was fouled by MJ Monaghan. The incident sparked chaos just behind the net as the home supporters threw their drinks on to Vauxhall’s players.
Motors defender Greg Drummond was dismissed for interacting with a fan as Monaghan was sent off for the foul.
A man down, Ben Dufton-Kelly who contributed to the winning goal at Squires Gate on the weekend came on for Parker, who had missed a fantastic opportunity to put his team in front, at the break.
It was Michael Burkey who struck from Dufton-Kelly’s assist in Blackpool and Burkey won the game once again with a bit of trickery as he took the ball around Jack Atkinson.
The pacey forward was close to getting his second but for a great save by Atkinson moments later.
As the minutes ticked away the hosts were aiming to get forward in a must not lose tie, however there was simply no way past the terrific backline of Mick McGraa’s team which brought great scenes when the final whistle rang out.
Vauxhall Motors, placed first with a game in hand on their close competitors, take on Winsford United away from home on Saturday afternoon as they look to pick up another three points.
TEAMS:
Bury AFC, managed by Andy Welsh: Atkinson, Williams, Kenny (58’), Rowney, Hunt (73’), Denman, Gilboy, Holt (45’), Corner, Brazel (73’), Monaghan. SUBS: Higgins (58’), Elhassan (45’), Moore (73’), McWilliam, Smith (73’).
Vauxhall Motors FC, managed by Mick McGraa: Samuel Booth, Ethan Gouldbourne, Adam Hughes (15’), Marcus James, Thomas Mitchell, Haydn Cooper, Michael Burkey (80’), Joseph Holt, Lewis Buckley, Jake Parker (45’), Conor Harwood. SUBS: Bobbie McDonnell, Greg Drummond (15’), Sean Moscrop (80’), Simon Thelwell, Ben Dufton-Kelly (45’).
