AMMIES BURY SHAKERS HOPES
Fallon’s heroes follow their neighbours up
THE NEXT Wythenshawe derby will be in the Northern Premier League after Wythenshawe Town claimed a dramatic and famous win over Bury FC to join near-neighbours Wythenshawe, who go up as champions.
The result is a bitter setback for the Shakers, who hoped to begin their rise up the Non-League Pyramid after falling out of the Football League in 2019, especially after all the work off the field to re-establish Gigg Lane as their traditional home.
The build-up was overshadowed by the row over the ticket allocation for Shakers fans, who had beaten Charnock Richard at Gigg Lane in midweek in front of more than 4,000 supporters. They were allocated only 350 for the final, and the plan to stream the game at Gigg Lane was beset by technical problems on the day.
Town manager Rory Fallon named an unchanged side while Shaker’s boss Dave McNabb made just one change, with Billy Reeves coming in for Sam Coughlan.
The first half was a very even affair with Town keeper Greg Hall being involved in the action from the first minute. Both he and Harry Wright in the Bury goal were active without severely being tested as both sets of defensive players controlled the game.
The game was crying out for a goal, and the deadlock was finally broken by Town on 53 minutes - a splendid finish in front of their supporters behind the goal. It was carved out by man of the match and Town captain Sam Sheridan, who exploited hesitancy in the visitor’s defence and volleyed superbly past Wright.
The game of cat and mouse turned on its head, becoming a question of whether Town could hold their nerve and keep the lead or whether Bury could produce a moment or some moments of class to draw level.
The answer came seven minutes from time when Shaker substitute Dean Pinnington showed courage and control in the Town
penalty area to beat Hall.
The scores remained level and everyone settled in for the penalty drama.
Town drew first blood. Hall saved from Comber to give the home side the advantage.
Wright saved Liptrott’s effort but Jepson fired wide, so it remained 1-0 to Town after two penalties apiece. Tom Bentham and Sam Coughlan both scored. Rodney Ajayi blasted over giving a lifeline to Bury, but captain Tom
Moore replied by missing the target.
There was a glimmer of hope for Bury when Holland Wilkinson scored, but Town made it 3-2. Bury had to score, but Aaron Morris missed.
The vocal home fans went to heaven and will be well up for that local derby in next season’s Northern Premier League. STAR MAN: Sam Sheridan (Wythenshawe Town) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★