Vauxhall Motors finished Tuesday night first in the NWCFL Premier as Mick McGraa’s side beat Bury AFC 2-1 in a clash between two promotion chasers. 

 

Match report by Ethan Hoijord.

 

Two goals before the stroke of half time, arguably against the run of play, from Marcus James and Conor Harwood put the Motormen into the lead. 

 

A strong battling second half ensured a further three points were placed next to their name come full time. 

 

The visitors started the game on the front foot and nearly took the lead straight from a corner but keeper Sam Booth ensured that the ball didn’t cross the line. 

 

Bury would put the ball into the net first through Connor Comber. However, Andy Welsh’s side were left frustrated as the referee stopped play for a foul on a defender. 

 

At the other end of the pitch, The Motormen were trying their luck from pretty much anywhere. Midfielder Haydn Cooper drove forwards, his effort firing into the side netting. 

 

Bury were looking to press from the wings, the ball went to the left then into the centre to the feet of Comber but a fantastic Booth save stopped a powerful shot and kept the game level. 

 

Against the run of play, Vauxhall opened the scoreline when Marcus James netted at the far post  much to the protest of Bury players and fans who believed that the defender had used his hand. 

 

Doubling up just before halftime, a ball from Booth was flicked on to forward Conor Harwood who saw the Bury shotstopper far off his line. 

 

He took the gamble and chipped his attempt into an empty net, the VanEupen Arena celebrating again. 

 

Seemingly a mistake from the referee, the hosts could’ve extended their lead to three at the start of the second half. 

 

Jake Parker headed the ball over Jack Atkinson, it looked like it had gone so far over the line thus the frontline were left bemused when it wasn’t given. 

 

The third also nearly came when Michael Burkey hit a troubling shot from outside the area, the attempt was deflected and parried by the Bury keeper before Buckley’s follow up was saved. 

 

However, the game was to have a tense finish as Joe Denman fired the ball past Booth and into the top corner. 

 

The three points for The Motormen takes them up top, a trip to Squires Gate their next outing on Saturday afternoon. 

 

Vauxhall Motors, managed by Mick McGraa: Samuel Booth, Ethan Gouldbourne, Adam Hughes, Marcus James, Thomas Mitchell, Haydn Cooper, Michael Burkey (86′), Ben Holmes, Lewis Buckley, Jake Parker (80′), Conor Harwood (85′). SUBS: Bobbie McDonnell (85′), Simon Thelwell (86′), Sean Moscrop (80′), Holt, Ben Dufton-Kelly. 

 

Bury AFC, managed by Andy Welsh: Atkinson, Williams, Tinning, Rowney (59′), Hunt, Demman, Gilboy (87′), Holt, Corner (87′), Brazel, Comber (69′). SUBS: Smith, Monaghan (69′), Kenny (59′) Elhassan (87′), Wharton (87′).

 

Photo by Paul Bartlett.