Another superb spring morning saw the full Bury entourage heading up the A1 to Stevenage for four more friendly matches.

The Reds played on the far pitch and tried out some players in different positions, Freddie in Goal, Charlie and William in defence, Emily in midfield with Oliver G and Tommy and Justin as the ‘lone ranger’ up front. Reiss was a sub very keen to get on the pitch as soon as possible. The formation looked good and very strong at kick off.

The defence was called straight into action with William really defending an attack well and earning Bury a goal kick. The Eagles allowed Bury to play and did not pressure the ball whilst in the goalies hands which was very fair and encouraging. Charlie was also called into action early on with some strong defending to do.

Freddie made a great save to keep the scores level, sadly not for long though as the eagles went a goal up shortly after.

Bury were still hard at it despite being behind with strong running from Justin producing a corner for Tommy to take. An excellent delivery but no-one there to test the goalkeeper. Nevermind.

Emily and Oliver also combined to produce another good chance. The pressure was mounting.

Justin delivered a lovely ball which an Eagles defender headed into his own net – one all and Bury back in it. Great strike by Justin.

The eagles quickly broke and another good save by Freddie, Tommy then defended the corner really well.

Oliver was tackling well in midfield and linking up the play with Emily again. Reiss came on and Emily took a rest. Reiss had a good early chance also – Bury were really pressing.

The Eagles broke, Freddie made a good save, but the rebound was knocked in – 2-1 to the eagles. It was quickly 3-1 owed to a good move by the eagles and one more before half time made it 4-1 despite another good run from Justin, only thwarted by a good tackle.

2^nd half started with Freddie moving onto midfield and Tommy in goal. It was a warm morning so plenty of fluids needed. Oliver went on a good run and Emily was also defending very well with William and Charlie. Bury wanted to draw or win the second half.

Reiss was very busy also.

The best move of the game was Emily taking on 2 defenders and then shooting only to be met with a good save – a real highlight for Bury. Tommy was also keeping the eagles at Bay in goal.

Despite lots of breaks and very good team play from all the Eagles quickly scored 2 more goals for a 6-1 lead.

Bury got one back from an own goal deflection off the referee and another long run from Oliver was very close to 6-3 and the game could then had gone either way.

A penalty to Bury was coolly slotted by Oliver despite William really wanting to take it – he can take the next one. 6-3 with 5 mins to go.

Charlie showed a great step over and pass as Bury pressed for more goals. The Eagles broke again and settled the game at 7-3 with a good finish.

A good performance on a hot day and more experience gained for the Bury team.

One final note was that Justin was really in the wars in this game, kicked twice and a hurt shoulder but he soldiered on.

Well done all.

Paul and Simon