17th December 2011

On a cold and cloudy winter’s day Bury Blues lined up for their final match of the year feeling determined and confident.

Before the match the Blues’ coaches had set the players a challenge to attempt 100 passes to try andsurpass their previous best of 79.

The Blues started strongly with the midfield of William, Dion and Leon making The Meads feel more like the Nou Camp with their excellent passing combinations.  In defence, Kieran was back from injury and it looked like he had never been away – Franz Beckenbauer would have been proud of the way he calmly broke down the Hoddesdon attacks and strode forward to put Bury on the offensive.

Hoddesdon were working hard to deny the Blues any clear chance but after 19 minutes,  following a quickly taken throw in the corner,  Lewis lost his marker and crossed to Joe who made no mistake from close range.

Jono, still on loan from the Reds, was looking dangerous, teasing Hoddesdon with his close control and jinking runs. Reiss , in goal, was continuously alert but with Alexander and Ben now in defence he had little to do.

Half time was approaching and Bury launched a final attack, an excellent passing move gave Lewis a half chance which he squeezed in off the right hand post.

The Blues’ Coaches had an easy team half time talk to give – “just do more of the same”. Unbelievably the attempted pass tally was 127 already!

The second half started as the first half had finished, more clever and controlled passing moves with Lewis there to apply the finishing touch on two occasions, so completing his hat-trick.

The pressure continued with dead ball specialist Reiss driving corners dangerously into the Hoddesdon penalty area. Once again another fine passing move enabled Joe to score his second goal of the game.

Hoddesdon re-grouped and a midfield battle ensued with Jono and Dion demonstrating excellent technique although no further goals were forthcoming.

Alexander made a superb run down the wing beating 4 opposing players before crossing the ball into the penalty box causing mayhem in Hoddesdon’s area. Unfortunately the Bury attack were unable to meet the cross to put it into the back of the net.

After a turn in goal Ben took his place in the centre of midfield. Within minutes he powered past the Hoddesdon defence and struck the ball firmly into the net for his first goal of the season.

A rare Hoddesdon attack saw goalkeeper Leon spring into action making a fine double save with his feet.

William was looking dangerous in the striker’s position and the midfield continued to stroke the ball around the lush turf of The Meads.

In the dying seconds of the game Kieran put a long, defence splitting pass through to Ben who once again made no mistake, slotting the ball confidently into the left hand corner.

The final whistle went with Bury Blues smashing their passing target – 248 attempted passes (with a 66% success rate).

2011 has ended with the Blues on a great run of form, their effective “pass and move” style, combined with incisive finishing and an excellent team spirit bodes well for the second half of the season.