Manny Road End - An Independent Bury Fans Forum (you can speak your bloody mind on here)

February 4, 2010

Bury 1 Rochdale 0. We won. On telly and everything

The big match came and went, and we ended the evening three points richer. The following night, Rotherham lost at home to Bournemouth so we're still third.

As for this weekend's fixtures:
Accrington Stanley v Morecambe (3-1)
AFC Bournemouth v Cheltenham Town (2-0)
Barnet v Aldershot Town (1-1)
Bradford City v Bury (1-1)
Chesterfield v Lincoln City (3-0)
Dagenham & Redbridge v Northampton Town (2-2)
Darlington v Rotherham United (1-3)
Grimsby Town v Notts County (0-2)
Macclesfield Town v Shrewsbury Town (0-1)
Rochdale v Crewe Alexandra (1-0)

February 1, 2010

Weekend games as expected, now bring on the dale

Aldershot dropped points on Saturday, as did Shrewsbury who lost to Accrington. Bournemouth (2-1), Chesterfield (1-0 at Morecambe), Notts (2-0) and Bradford (2-1) all won. This leaves us 4th prior to playing Rochdale tonight.

Even a draw would put us third but a few teams have games in hand so the three points tonight would be very welcome.

Up the Shakers.

January 28, 2010

Another three points for Bury against Hereford. What's next? Its a biggie.

I've always thought of Rochdale as being the laughing stock of the football league, the least successful professional football club in England, probably the world, a bit of a joke and never likely to win anything, ever.

Well that's all changed this season. They're nine points clear at the top of league two, scoring three of four goals almost every time they play, being lauded for the quality of their football and looking championship certainties for 2010.

So its with more trepidation than usual that we welcome them to Gigg Lane this coming Monday for a live televised clash. Its 1st versus third and while it would be fantastic should we win, it could also be pretty horrible if we lose.

The weekends fixtures went mostly as predicted; Aldershot beat Bournemouth (2-1) who have now lost three in a row, we beat Hereford narrowly, Rochdale won 4-1 at Cheltenham, Lincoln beat Bradford 2-1 and both Rotherham (2-1)and Shrewsbury (2-1) won. Then on Tuesday, ale drew 0-0 at home but Rotherham got a last minute winner away at Chesterfield which pushed us back into fourth position in the league. By the time we play Dale we could be fifth. After the game, we could be second.

Here's the games this Weekend with my forecasts in brackets Aldershot Town v Grimsby Town (2-0) Crewe Alexandra v AFC Bournemouth (3-2) Lincoln City v Dagenham & Redbridge (1-2) Morecambe v Chesterfield (0-0) Notts County v Barnet (2-0) Rotherham United v Macclesfield Town (3-0) Shrewsbury Town v Accrington Stanley (2-1) Torquay United v Bradford City (1-1) Monday: Bury v Rochdale (1-1)

January 22, 2010

Excellent, if undeserved, win for Bury. But three points is three points.

After another really enjoyable match midweek when we edged past Bradford City, we face a team in the bottom part of the league in Hereford United this Saturday. It should be a comfortable win for Bury but I've been watching the Shakers for long enough to know that another win shouldn't be taken for granted.

Full list of games being played on Saturday plus my predictions:
Aldershot Town v AFC Bournemouth (1-1)
Bury v Hereford United (3-0)
Cheltenham Town v Rochdale (1-2)
Crewe Alexandra v Darlington (2-2)
Lincoln City v Bradford City (2-1)
Morecambe v Barnet (3-1)
Northampton Town v Accrington Stanley (2-1)
Notts County v Chesterfield (1-0)
Port Vale v Macclesfield Town (0-0)
Rotherham United v Grimsby Town (2-0)
Shrewsbury Town v Dagenham & Redbridge (1-1)
Torquay United v Burton Albion (1-1)

January 19, 2010

Phenomenal win at Bournemouth, now let's follow it up with some more wins eh?

Bury went back to work after an enforced lay-off and promptly won 2-1 away against second placed Bournemouth. This probably represents our best result of the season so far.

Tonight, though, its Bradford who visit Gigg Lane and whilst languishing in the bottom half of the table, can't be written off. They'll bring a massive following and they didn't play at the weekend so will be fresher than our boys. Still, the bottom line is that we're better than them but when did that make any difference. We are Bury and one thing we've always done is to have our guns pointed at our shoes, if you see what I mean.

A win will put us third or fourth which would set us up for the second half of the season and with Hereford at home on Saturday, we're in a position now where we can put ourselves right in the thick of the action at the top of the table. Six points from the next two games will make for an interesting encounter with runaway league leaders Rochdale in a couple of weeks.

Up the Shakers.

December 31, 2009

This being the last day of 2009, I probably should do a review of the year but seeing as every other fucker is doing that, i'll not bother.

Since losing at Dagenham, we had games against Macc and Bratford postponed but then we won at Accrington.

We're now ninth, a massive SIXTEEN points behind league leaders Rochdale . . eh? Am I dreaming? Fail fans probably think they are.

Here's the league table:

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Rochdale	24	30	51
2	Bournemouth	23	6	46
3	Rotherham	21	12	39
4	Notts County	22	26	37
5	Dag & Red	23	7	37
6	Aldershot	22	10	36
7	Chesterfield	22	4	35
8	Shrewsbury	24	4	35
9	Bury	22	-1	35

Our upcoming games are Grimsby away, Darlington at home and the re-arranged gajme with Macc at home. If we don't get nine points from those games we can forget promotion because we're clearly not good enough. However if we DO win them all, then it'll put us probably fourth or third and in a good position to go for it in the second half of the season. In fact, with the exception of Bournemouth away, all the other five games in January should be pretty easy wins.

Up the Shakers, here's to a memorable 2010. Happy new year everybody.

December 17, 2009

A bad week for Bury

After our defeat at Morecambe, we returned to winning ways against 'Dodgy' Barnet but the week that followed was a bit poo.

We lost 3-1 at Dagenham & Redbridge when it seemed like we could have won comfortably had we only taken some of the excellent chances which came our way. That left us in 9th place in league two, a massive twelve points behind league leaders Rochdale who won again, this time at Lincoln.

In the few days that followed, our club physio left Bury to go and work for Blackpool. He could have shared a lift with Danny Nardiello who was recalled by his parent club leaving us once again short of options up front.

If all that weren't bad enough, Stephen Dawson rejected a new contract offer and looks set to leave in January. At first the Stephen Dawson thing didn't bother me but the more I think about it, the more it annoys me how players do well at clubs like Bury and suddenly think they're too good for us. I can think of a few such players who've left for bigger and better clubs and who have seemingly vanished as they've realised that the grass isn't always greener.

Dale Stephens and Nicky Adams are two recent ones which spring to mind who joined Oldham and Leicester respectively and whilst Stephens has never been heard of since, Adams suffered the indignity of being sent to Rochdale on loan. Even Simon Whalley, who excelled in the Championship for a few seasons, ended up in league two on loan at fail and later Bradford. Dwayne Mattiss, there's another. Where's he these days?

If Dawson wants to play at a higher level, he can take the big risk of moving clubs, of having to work his way into the team, of having to uproot himself and his family, of trying to integrate with new team mates or he can stick with a club and a manager who believe in him, who are going to put him in the first team as long as he is fit, who like and appreciate him and who have a pretty good chance of going up to league one anyway.

He's been offered a good financial package (so we are told) and I think its important not to make a name for himself as someone who walks the second a better opportunity comes along. I'm not talking about loyalty because that means nothing to players, and I don't expect it to.

Stephen, if you're reading this then please stay at Bury, at least for the rest of the season. For your own good as much as the club's and the fans.

December 2, 2009

Bury finally beaten. Time for another long unbeaten run?

As fail were going to the top of league two by winning at Bradford, Bury were losing for the first time in 12 league games. To be fair, it was going to happen eventually and with Barnet at home on Saturday, its a good chance for us to quickly get back to winning ways.

Unsurprisingly, it was Phil Jevons getting on the scoresheet twice for the home side, and looking slightly less useless from the penalty spot than he did for us last May. Those strikes plus a Ben Futcher own goal saw us roundly beaten in the dreariest town in the world.

Morecambe must do well at home simply because opposition teams probably get completely depressed by their surroundings - what with the driving rain and the wind howling in off the Irish Sea. I know I'd rather stay at home - which is exactly what I did although the crowd of around 1850 was two thirds home fans and one third Bury which is very impresive indeed.

November 23, 2009

Pots, Kettles and the worst football stadium ever

Whilst sitting in the modern disaster which was Shrewsbury's Prostar Stadium, the home and away fans were engaging in a bit of banter. It was mostly the home fans to be honest but it went along the lines of:
"One nil, and you fucked it up"
"You went to Wembley and you fucked it up"
"Yeah well we beat you in the playoffs"
"Yeah well you're still here aren't you?"
"You're shit"
"So are you"
. . . and so it went on. It was all rather pointless especially since neither side won anything last season. It would have been sweet to win there but a 90th minute equaliser put paid to that.

Sadly, we had to endure the nightmare which was Shrewsbury's new stadium. I'd never been before and it is HORRIBLE. Its soul-less, life-less, character-less and how they ever hope to generate an atmosphere in there is beyond me. Their die-hard fans of twenty years or more must be gutted to have to go there every other week. Please please please Bury never move to a new 'purpose-built' stadium. And don't get me started on the parking facilities . . .

November 19, 2009

A game not to be missed

Notts County were the visitors last weekend and what a match it was. There were goals, more goals, goals that weren't goals, puddles of mud . .

Of course it finished 3-3 but it could have been 6-6. Notts looked very capable and I think if they settle down and get used to playing together they could walk off with this division. From Bury it was another heroic performance - nine unbeaten in the league now and i've even planned my trip to Shrewsbury this weekend (as long as it doesn't get called off due to being flooded). We're pretty close to the top of the league now in terms of points so a few more good results and we'll start sneaking up into the play-off spots and beyond.

On top of that, Fail lost at home which is always nice to see.

November 11, 2009

No cup of cheer for the Shakers this year . .

. . whatever the arse a 'cup of cheer' is.

Well after losing at Aldershot on Saturday, we lost at Accrington last night which means two cup exits in four days. This is bad news for Knill as it means there'll be no money to bring in any extra cover for the injured players and with Notts County visiting Bury on Saturday, we could be struggling.

Sodje missed out last night with a one match ban, and Brown was rested and replaced by Cameron Belford. The good news of the night was the substitute appearance of Andy Morrell.

Saturday could be very tough, espcially since whilst the Notts players were relaxing last night, our over-worked boys were busting a gut in Accrington for no reward and another blow to their confidence.

I think we'll lose to Notts, and then its Shrewsbury (away) and Chesterfield (home) so it could prove to be an unpleasant couple of weeks for Bury.

November 2, 2009

Bury battle on, Fail fail to fail

Whilst Bury were earning a very creditable point in their first ever trip to Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium, shitty Rochdale were being slightly less than shitty in demolishing league leaders Bournemouth at Dean Court.

They're becoming a worry. I've been saying for a while though that I think they'll finally get to taste promotion this season and I reckon we'll be joining them in league one. We're only a point worse off than this time last season with 24 points from 15 games and after 9 games unbeaten, are well placed to kick on.

Of course, its the FA Cup this Saturday and Aldershot could be up for a bit of revenge, but we are Bury, super Bury etc.

October 26, 2009

Brilliant Brilliant Bury

Despite major injury problems, and having lost Worrall to possible a cruciate ligament injury during the week, Bury took to the field with the lightest of squads. Having then lost Elliot and Brown in the first twenty minutes and gone one nil down to a freak goal, the mighty Shakers battled back to beat Rotherham 2-1 nil what was one of the best performances I think i've ever seen from Bury.

I'm still buzzing from that performance and result three days later. As for the other sides, there were wins for Bournemouth, Notts, Barnet and Shrewsbury and fail lost at home to Accrington Stanley. Bury are ninth, just three points behind our closest neighbours.

After that, the FA Cup first round draw was a bit of a damp squib, when it drew us away at Aldershot, the team we beat just over a week ago. We'll have to do it again, which is going to be difficult, but we've done it once, can we do it again?

Its Burton away this Saturday, for the first time ever in the league. Could be tricky, but Bury are fantastic.

October 22, 2009

win win win

An excellent win at Aldershot was good preparation for Saturday's home game with Rotherham. Its a biggie as Rotherham have already made it quite clear that despite losing manager Mark Robins, they're still very much in line for a good promotion challenge this season.

It should be interesting to see how we do in this game.

Meanwhile, its Accrington who will be standing between us and a place in the Norther Area Semi Finals of the Johnstone Paints Football League Trophy. I might even get up there for that one, trouble is its one of these pesky 7 o'clock kick offs, not much good for the likes of me really.

October 12, 2009

Tranmere defeated, Barnes Sacked, Northampton escape with a point

A good second half performance against league one side Tranmere saw us through to the northern quarter finals where we'll visit either Accrington or Shrewsbury. As forecast by quite a few people John Barnes became the second manager to get the boot after losing to Bury.

When Saturday came, Northampton were the visitors and despite an excellent Shakers performance from start to finish, they snuck away from Gigg with a point after coming from 2-0 down. Worrall and Lowe were on the scoresheet for Bury.

Its probably a bit early to be looking too closely at the other teams in league two but Bournemouth have started very well and are currently top of the league followed by Dagenham and Rotherham, then there's our pals from down the road followed by next weeks opponents Aldershot in fifth, Barnet, Shrewsbury and then Notts. Three points behind Notts and in 12th comes Bury.

Let's not forget that despite the fact that we're 'only' 12th, we've got just 14 fit players at the moment with Carlton, Allen and Bishop out long term (Andy Bishop's having another op this week as is Damien Allen). Morrell is also out and so is Scott which means that we're down to the bare bones. That said, 6 games unbeaten is quite an achievement. If we can keep up the pace with the top 8 or 10 teams, then when these boys start getting fit again, it'll be like having new signings and should give us a good boost as we gear up for the final third of the season.

October 6, 2009

Shakers on the up?

Well after a win at Crewe and a point at Torquay (personally I thought it'd be the other way around), we're 11th in league two, unbeaten in four, with the best away record in the league. Not bad considering the start we had and the doom which was foretold.

Well tonight we take a break from the league and face Tranmere Rovers in the JPT at Gigg. I'll not be going as babysiting duties beckon and also I can't be arsed.

Despite facing a team from a league above, I think we probably should win this as Tranmere are struggling at the moment under the tutelage of John Barnes, but I wouldn't be surprised if they turned us over. Its not like it matters anyway is it?

Then Northampton at home on Saturday. This is becoming a biggie as they are one of the pre-season favourites but have started even worse than we did. I can't help thinking it'll be a disappointing draw.

September 29, 2009

We won! At home!

After 85 frustrating minutes at home to Lincoln City, Ryan Lowe and then David Worrall scored the first league goals at Gigg since April. I say 'frustrating', It was actually quite enjoyable for me as I was in Matlock.

Its Crewe Alexandra away tonight in Bury's first trip to Gresty Road for a good few years. Then we're at Torquay on Saturday before playing Northampton in our next home game. I'd say we have a decent chance of getting some more decent results and moving into the top half of the table again.

Up the Shakers.

September 21, 2009

Cheltenham defeat, Port Vale victory. Who knows what's coming next?

After losing to a 94th minute goal at home to Cheltenham to leave our home record as played 4, lost 4, scored none, conceeded 7, we then went and won at Port Vale to give us the second best away record in the division. As soon as we can crack this current home form, we'll be well on our way, of that i'm sure.

Domaine Rouse has gone. After two or three years of 'turning up late for training' and certain other unspecified attitude issues, he's had his contract terminated. Big Al says that he's got the talent (and we've seen hints at that) but not the application to be a professional footballer.

Its Lincoln at home this coming Saturday and i'll miss yet another game as i'll be away for the weekend. No great loss though. I reckon we'll win though. We've also got players coming back - the likes of Buchanan, Jones, Racchi and Morell are close to first team starts now.

September 11, 2009

There's only one thing wrong with Bury at the moment . . .

. . and that's that we're rubbish at football. So far our home record reads played three, lost three, scored none, conceeded some. That's not very good really. I hope that we win against Cheltenham tomorrow but once again I won't be going. I was a tortured soul last weekend having opted to give the Accrington game a miss - that all changed though when the results came in so i'll not go to this one either. I haven't seen us score since Hurst's goal against Macclesfield in April and I see no reason why that would change if I went to this game.

All the best, Bury. But you'll have to do it without my support for a few more weeks i'm afraid as I'm away for the Crewe match too.

Just as a little aside, today is my 10th wedding anniversary. The significance of this is that its ten years since we lost two nil at Oldham.

September 4, 2009

Rochdale away and all that

My match report is posted elsewhere on this site so I'll not bang on about that but suffice to say, it wasn't very good. There was a big improvement for the midweek Mickey Mouse cup win at Walsall but there'll need to be a repeat for Saturday's game at home to Accrington Stanley.

Out of sheer protest at last weekend's performance, I'll not be going this Saturday. That's how strongly I feel about it. Having said that, I hadn't planned to go to the Grimsby game but then I started getting itchy feet at about mid-day so I ended up going.

We really need to get winning, partly for the points, partly for player confidence and partly for supporter confidence. I'm sure we'll be in the top seven come the end of the season, but if we're seriously looking for a top three, then we need to get our shit together. Remember, we missed out by a single goal last time round, yet how many points have we thrown away already?

August 28, 2009

Derby day

Whilst it remains the depressing truth that the biggest matches of our season are against Rochdale, tomorrow is still derby day and its actually more fun than the old derbies against b****n because we usually win and I don't know any Fail fans.

I actually think we'll lose on Saturday. They've not beaten us in something like 12 attempts and I expect them to turn us over this time. Still, its always a good laugh with all the lads in attendance (usually) and cheap beer in The Star. Lets just hope Bury can do it again. They owe us as we only drew at Snotland last season.

Last weekend we lost at home to Grimsby and that was a bit on the crap side, so hopefully we can continue our 100% away record, but Fail lost at Rotherham last Sunday so they'll be fired up too.

Up the Shakers.

August 19, 2009

Back in business

Well after a humbling opening day defeat, the Shakers have bounced back with two wins on the road at Darlington (1-0) and Hereford (3-1).

Now we're in the top half of the league, above Rochdale and with some highly winnable games coming up, our season is back underway.

Our winning goal at Darlington was scored by Jordan Robertson who I'd never heard of until the scorer was announced and he then played no part against Hereford where Mike Jones scored directly from a free kick and Ryan Lowe got his first goals for the club. Domaine Rouse also started against Hereford, surely a sign that Knill's putting his trust in him.

All in all, a good few days for Bury. Let's hope we can put Grimsby to the sword on Saturday.

August 14, 2009

Round 2. After a bad start, its time to pick up some points

Having lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth on matchday one, and then lost 2-0 at home to West Brom in the league cup on Tuesday, Bury need to get some kind of result under their belt to kick start their season. A third defeat could affect confidence and the players could start to feel the pressure of expectation bearing down on them.

So its Darlington away and its a tough one. Darlington were up there last season until their points deduction effectively ended their season so they'll be chellenging again this season.

There were signs on Tuesday that Bury aren't too far from the performance levels of last season. All they need is a goal or two, a win and we'd be off again. Only problem there is that we've only one fit striker in Ryan Lowe. Bishop, Morrell and now Carlton are all injured. This presents a great opportunity for Domaine Rouse to show us what all the fuss is about.

Its hard to predict Saturday's game, so I won't. Except that I think we'll lose narrowly but then we'll win at Hereford next Tuesday, draw with Grimsby then its another away win at Rochdale to set us up nicely for the season ahead.

August 10, 2009

Shall we call that one another friendly?

Well the much anticipated first game of the season came and went and all Bury got was a good healthy thrashing. A three nil home defeat was probably not what anybody was expecting, least of all Alan Knill who admitted to being a bit shell-shocked.

Fortunately, I was away and I missed it. Let's hope that can pull it together for Darlington next Saturday, I couldn't really give a damn about the league cup on Tuesday, it not like we're going to win the whole competition is it?

Meanwhile, Notts County got off to a great start. If I were a Forest fan, I'd be getting ready to deal with the prospect of supporting my city's second team as the Magpies are talking about promotion and the Premier League and all that. Could see it happening too over the next few years. Fulham did it and Wigan did it so why not?

August 4, 2009

On the cusp of a potentially exciting new season

Well in just a few days the new season gets underway and its not for many a year that we Bury fans have had reason to be so excited.

Missing out on automatic promotion by a single goal and then bollocksing up the play-offs has left us with a taste for success. Super Sir Alan Knill has utterly transformed the fortunes of our little old club since joining us 18 months ago. We're no longer relegation fodder, no more the whipping boys of the football league and for once people are looking ahead to the new season expecting us to go up.

When the previous season finished, I hot-footed it down to the bookies (well I went on-line actually) and put a tenner on Bury to win league two in 2009/10 at odds of 14/1. I'm not as confident now of winning it but I reckon we should do at least as well as last season.

So who's the likely lads in league two this year, and who's the big fat numptys?

Well last season's nearly men Bury and Shrewsbury are likely to be up there and not far behind will probably be our old chums from down the road at Spotland. Other teams who possibly could do well are Rotherham who would have been up there last season if not for being hampered by a points deduction, Dagenham & Redbridge had a decent effort last year and could improve and then there's Notts County who have been rubbish for years until a certain Mr Sven Goran Eriksson decided that Nottingham was the place to be and in the blink of an eye has made them an candidate. Their ability to sign new players has certainly been boosted by the Swede's arrival and although they've not signed many decent players yet, their progess over the season should be interesting at least. The perennially rubbish Bradford could do well, or they may just carry on being Bradford.

Of the teams dropping down from league one, Northampton could be a contender but no-one seems to be tipping any of the others so let's assume they'll be rubbish.

Its hard to assess the promoted sides - Burton Albion and Torquay United but I'm not too worried about them.

Ok so here's my prediction (which, according to my six year old daughter, is a 'clever guess'):
1. Rotherham United
2. Bury
3. Notts County
4. Shrewsbury Town
5. Northampton Town
6. Rochdale
7. Bradford City
--
23. Accrington Stanley
24. Macclesfield Town

So that's a runners up spot for us. I'd be happy with that although Bet365 have us down for 7th place. Whatever happens though, It'll be good fun (at least for the first five minutes) and the crowds will almost certainly be up again (at least for the first game). I'll miss the Bournemouth game sadly, but I can't wait for the West Brom cup game and then we'll be off on a big adventure.

Bring it on.

July 3, 2009

Bye bye Rivals, hello mannyroadend.co.uk

I understand the Rivals network closed down on July 2nd.

In its absence, Manny Road End is fully operational as always so anyone looking for a message board on which they can say what they damn well like is more than welcome here.

June 16, 2009

Boing boing

Well its the Boing Boing Baggies in the League Cup and let's hope they bring a few fans down (up?) for the match. I'll be there with knobs on (or with knobs to my left and right If i'm joined by Tim and Phil) as i'll be at a wedding on the opening day of the season so this'll be my first game.

We had some decent games against West Brom when we were in the old first division. I remember them breaking our 'year unbeaten at home' record (Peshisolido hat-trick possibly) and then Tony Ellis scoring at The Hawthorns in a 1-1 draw. Can't remember the home result in the following season but we lost 1-0 at their place in the penultimate game.

Bring them on. Should be a good early test for our boys.

May 28, 2009

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

I was delighted to see the dirty red scum totally outplayed in Rome last night. Maybe that'll shut some of the fuckers up for a bit. Best in the world my arse.

FA Cup final on Saturday: Chelsea vs Everton and I honestly couldn't care less who wins - which is great because it means I can sit back and enjoy it. If I was going for a prediction, though, i'd say 2-1 to Chelsea.

May 27, 2009

Its all over

I made this comment on this blog before the first of the play-off games, "I think we'll get a good away result and then lose at Gigg next Sunday and I still reckon it will be Gillingham who go up." How great am I? Just wish i'd put a bet on it.

Anyway, it was indeed Gillingham promoted to League One and well done to them. I'd fancied them to win the playoffs since we played them in match 45 of the season.

In the other playoffs, it was wins for Scunthorpe over Millwall and Burnley over Sheffield United. I've a few mates who are Dingles and I hate Sheffield United so I was pretty pleased with that. Not only that but next season, SIX of the twenty Premier League teams will be Lancashire sides. How many Yorkshire clubs will there be in the Prem?

Looking back, its been a phenomenal season and next year it should be good. Not only will we get our annual trip to Rochdale, but I fancy us for the championship, I'm actually going to put money on it. Alan Knill's done an amazing job and unsurprisingly, he has already been linked with other jobs - Blackpool specifically, but they announced their new manager last week, so that's gone away until the next one.

Andy Bishop's had surgery on his knee and hopefully we'll finally get a fully fit Bish next year, I don't think we've ever seen him in 100% full fitness, so if we don't sell him maybe he'll show us what he's capable of.

Its the Champions League final tonight and we're all rooting for Barca I would hope. We can't have those dirty red bastards winning it again.

May 12, 2009

Play Off semi Second Leg: Fallen at the final hurdle (before the next hurdle that is)

Anyone who was at Gigg Lane on Sunday will have seen a football match which will live long in the memory.

Right from the start, the overall feeling amongst most of the Bury contingent was one of nerves. I felt physically sick. I suppose that comes from 5 or 6 years of being really shit, but never really being in that much danger of going down and suddenly we're in a position where we're going into a match where its not about three points or one-upmanship, there was a massive prize for one of the teams and that made it quite an unpleaseant feeling for me at least, and I suspect one or two others aswell.

I think what made it worse was the expectation. Being at home having won the away leg meant that by rights it should have been Bury winning the tie overall, but we still had to do the business and in that task, we ultimately failed.

The crowd was not what I was expecting. The South Stand had plenty of empty seats. I was expecting the same number of Bury fans who came to the Accrington match,plus a massive away following. There were even some empty seats in the Manny Road End, I'd have thought Shrewsbury would have sold out. Funny isn't it, being disapointed with a crowd of over seven and a half thousand?

Well the match was okay, It didn't pan out as I had expected. I thought Shrewsbury would be all over us but the balance of play was pretty even although once again, they had the better chances with Wayne Brown pulling off one or two great saves. The best chance of the half though fell to Bury after the excellent Andy Morrell was manhandled in the box. Phil Jevons earned himself the right to fuck off straight back to Huddersfield with a horribly weak effort from the penalty spot and that should have been the moment that had us all searching for cheap B&Bs in the London area in two weeks time.

The second half slowly petered out to a nil nil draw. Or did it? No. It fucking didn't. It would have done but for an error from David Buchanan, scuffing an attempted overhead clearance to a Shrewsbury player who cracked the loose ball into the bottom corner of the net to effectively send the game into extra time with just three minutes left.

I'd been clock-watching since half time and I had seen the scoreboard go very very slowly to fifty, sixty, seventy minutes, eighty had come and gone and yet still we were too nervous tostart singing 'Wemberlee, Wemberlee . . '. And then with time almost up, the inevitable happened.

Extra time was just as hard to watch, but the Bury players were excvellent in their quest for a winner. In fact they played some of the best football I have ever seen at Gigg Lane - opening them up time after time. If it weren't for the wastefulness of Andy Bishop, we'd have got the goal, maybe even gone on to win the game but he wasted chance after chance after chance. It wasn't just him either, but he's paid very good money to score and with the number of opportunities he had, we shouldn't have had to endure the penalty shoot-out that followed.

I've only ever seen a handfull of games go to extra time at Gigg and even fewer go to penalties. I remember losing 3-0 to Bolton in a league cup tie in about 1989/90 in what must go down as one of the worst penalty kicking diaplays ever, and we beat Bishop Auckland 4-2 in the early nineties. We also had penalties against some none league side a few years back, but I can't remember who it was. Telford Perhaps?

This penalty competition took place in front of the away fans. This was not up for discussion apparrently which seems odd to me. It must have been the ref or the Sky TV folk who called that one. Anyway to cut a long and painful story short, Barry-Murphy scored, they scored, Jones scored, they scored, anny Racchi missed, they scored, Bennett scored, they scored and then Bishop strode up for what I correctly predicted would be the last kick of our season.

We went to the pub. We were bitterly disapointed. For the rest of that day, we re all thinking of what might have been. What if we'd scored 2 against Accrington, or Jevo had put his penalty away, or Buchanan had cleared the ball properly in the 87 minute or we'd scored just one of those fantastic chances in extra time ... For me, the disapointment lasted perhaps 24 hours and then had been replaced by sheer elation at what a fantastic season we've had.

How far this club has come in 16 months since Alan Knill took over! Crowds are up, confidence and good feeling is sky high, we have good players and a sensible, capable manager. I'll be putting at least a tenner on us winning the championship next season. Obviously we'll strengthen, one or two will leave. I really hope we keep hold of our core of best players - Dawson, Futcher, Barry-Murphy, Sodje, Jones, Morrell. If we lose Brown, as has been rumoured, I hope we sign Mark Tyler from Peterborough. I hope we see more of Racchi. I hope we get some decent strikers in and get a decent price for Bishop.

Well done Bury on a phenomenal season. I cannot wait for next season. Its going to be a treat.

May 8, 2009

Play Off semi First Leg: A slender advantage to Bury

Well i'd never watched us live on telly before and i'd much rather be there. It does give a somewhat different perspective though, plus a closer look at some of the players. That Wayne Brown isn't going to win any beauty awards is he?

For periods we played well, really well, but on the whole Shrewsbury were the better side in terms of posession and chances. However, we defended well and one or two refereeing decisions went our way (Futch could have been sent off) and the record books will forever show that we won.

It sets it up nicely for the second leg where Shrewsbury will be well up for it and will attack from the start. They will score too as they should have in the first leg.

In the other semi, its slight advantage to Gillingham after they drew nil nil at Rochdale.

May 5, 2009

So near, yet so far.

Well in the end, we missed out on automatic promotion by a single goal. If we'd beaten Accrington 2-0, we'd have gone up instead of Wycombe. I don't even want to talk about Chester at home, or away for that matter.

So its the playoffs for Bury and we'll be up against Shrewsbury Town, a club which is bound to be buzzing after sneaking into the playoffs with a magnificent last day victory at Dagenham & Redbridge. Bury, meanwhile, have to regroup and get ready for two really tough games. Having said that, its not exactly going to be easy for our opponents - we're going into these games on the back of 12 unbeaten having not conceeded in three. I wouldn't bet against us. Then again, I think we'll get a good away result and then lose at Gigg next Sunday and I still reckon it will be Gillingham who go up.

Final League Table (top 7)

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Brentford	46	29	85
2	Exeter	46	15	79
3	Wycombe	46	21	78
4	Bury	46	20	78
5	Gillingham	46	3	75
6	Rochdale	46	11	70
7	Shrewsbury	46	17	69

So our final stats were 14 wins, 4 draws and 5 defeats at Gigg Lane where we scored 36 and let in 19. Away from Gigg we won 7, drew 11 and lost just 5 games scoring 27 and conceeding 24. That's a positive goal difference of 20 and 78 points on the board.

Alan Knill's record as Bury Manager (league games only)

Season	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
2007/08	18	10	4	4	27	17	+10	34
2008/09	46	21	15	10	63	43	+20	78
TOTAL	64	31	19	14	90	60	+30	112

That's a pretty good record, with a total points per game average of 1.75.

May 1, 2009

The day before the big match

I'm nervous but very excited. I think we'll do it.

My Predictions:
Bury 3 Accrington 0
Rotherham 1 Exeter 1
Wycombe 2 Notts County 1

If we don't beat Accrington, we don't deserve to go up and if results go against us, I think Gillingham will go up through the playoffs.

COME ON BURY!

April 27, 2009

45 games gone, one to go and we're definitley not going down

Well we all trekked down to Gillingham and we got a point. It would have been nice to get three but if you'd seen the game, you'd know that that was never going to happen.

League Table going into the last match:

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pos
1 (CH)	Brentford	45	27	82
2	Wycombe	45	22	78
3	Exeter	45	14	76
4	Bury	45	19	75

We now know what's what. Brentford are up as champions and well done to them. So the final automatic promotion places will go to two from Wycombe, Exeter and Bury.If Wycombe get a point from their home game with Notts County, they're up. If they lose, they could be caught but I think that's unlikely. So it really is down to Exeter and Bury going for the final promotion place.

If Exeter win at Rotherham, they're up and we're in the playoffs. If they fail to beat Rotherham, we can grab third spot by beating Accrington.

Its so incredibly close. When you think back to some of the games which got away this season you think of . .
1) Aldershot away. 3-0 up with 20 minutes left - finished 3-3.
2) Chester at home - last minute equaliser gave them a 1-1 draw.
3) Dagenham at home - 2-0 up at half time and two massive chances to score. Two quick away goals made it 2-2.
4) Morecambe away - we battered them and it finished 0-0.
5) Rotherham away - Had some really good chances to win it before they scored. Finished 1-1.

If just one of those results had gone our way, it would be so different, but every team can point to games which slipped out of their grasp so there's no point crying about it now.

We are in exactly the same situation as at the end of the 1995/96 season when we went into the last game fourth behind Darlington who were way at Scunthorpe and we had an easy home game. We went up on that occasion as Darlington could only draw at Scunny whilst we thrashed Cardiff 3-0 at Gigg. Later we all spilled onto the pitch as news of the draw at Glanford Park came back to all those people with radios. It'll be mobile phones this time but the excitement will be no less.

I cannot wait for Saturday. I actually think we'll go up, but if we don't we're in the playoffs and that's not too shabby. COME ON YOU SHAKERS!

April 23, 2009

Hmm

League table as it stands - 2 games to go

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Brentford	44	25	79
2	Wycombe	44	22	77
3	Exeter	44	14	75
4	Bury	44	19	74
5	Gillingham	44	2	71

This is after Wycombe won at Luton and Brentford lost at Dagenham.
So now we know more or less whatr's got to happen if we're going straight up: We need more points than Exeter. Simple as that. They play Morecambe at home on Saturday, then they're away at Rotherham on the last day. Morecambe are in with a shout at the playoffs and Rotherham are mid table but a good side. If we beat Gillingham and Accrington, we've a decent chance but anything less and its the playoffs for us.

April 18, 2009

Exeter City in last minute goal pisser

It was all going swimmingly until the Grecians rode their bloody luck with a long range shot that hit the post, the Lincoln City keeper and went in. Fuckers. Still, a solid performance from Bury and three goals to boot. Mustn't grumble. Still fourth though and only two games left.

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Brentford	43	27	79
2	Exeter	44	14	75
3	Wycombe	43	21	74
4	Bury	44	19	74
5	Gillingham	44	2	71
6	Rochdale	44	12	69

Tuesday's games:
Dag & Red v Brentford
Luton v Wycombe
Rotherham v Morecambe

We're desperately hoping for a favour from relegated Luton. I'm also hoping Morecambe win their game because they could get in the playoffs and their weekend game is at Exeter. A win for the Shrimpers could spice things up and make it tricky for Exeter. A win for Brentford and they're up.

You know, we might not go straight up. We may also fail in the playoffs but lets be philosophical about this. Ever since we dropped out of the old first division in 1999 under the leadership of the evil Herr Warnock, life at Gigg has been pretty shite. We made the third division payoffs in 1993(ish) but apart from that we've had little to cheer about. Very shortly after some of the worst league finishes in the club's history, we're now in with a chance of automatic promotion with just two games left. If we don't manage it, its still been a bloody good effort.

So whatever happens from here on in, I just want to say well done to Knilly and the boys. They've done us proud.

April 15, 2009

Easter Monday wasn't as good as Good Friday

We've dropped back down to fourth again now. There's three games left although Wycombe and Brentford have a game in hand on everyone else.

Our ninth unbeaten game was a creditable draw but we needed to win it. We've not won away since Grimsby in February. Exeter, meanwhile have come from nowhere and on the basis of four points from games against Brentford and Wycombe fully deserve their lofty position.

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Brentford	42	24	76
2	Exeter	43	13	72
3	Wycombe	42	18	71
4	Bury	43	16	71
5	Rochdale	43	14	69
6	Gillingham	43	1	68

Saturday's games
Brentford v Accrington Stanley - home win
Bury v Macclesfield - home win
Chesterfield v Gillingham - draw
Lincoln City v Exeter - away win
Rochdale v Darlington - home win
Wycombe v Aldershot - home win

So if that happens we'll all be in more or less the same position. Rochdale v Darlington's on Sky TV. Seems a curious choice but it suits us as it'll only put more pressure on Rochdale to win.

We've got Macclesfield at home and its a potential banana skin. Especially with Keith Alexander managing them. We should be winning games like that but who knows?

April 13, 2009

Another decent weekend for Bury

Well Rochdale won - which was expected but still a disppointment, Exeter were denied a win at Brentford - which is a relief and Gillingham lost - which was nice.

Still third with four games left.

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Brentford	41	23	73
2	Wycombe	41	19	71
3	Bury	42	16	70
4	Exeter	42	12	69
5	Rochdale	42	14	68
6	Gillingham	42	0	65
7	Chesterfield	42	9	62
8	Shrewsbury	42	15	61

Easter Monday's games:
Bournemouth v Brentford - away win
Darlington v Bury - draw
Exeter v Wycombe - draw
Gillingham v Dag & Red - draw
Shrewsbury v Rochdale - home win

I actually wonder if we might lose this one, I've got a 1-0 home win feeling about it but i'll go for a draw as that's what we usually do in these situations.
Have you noticed something? Rochdale always seem to play teams just after we've played them. Funny that, int it?

April 11, 2009

2-1 vs Shrewsbury: a massive massive win for Bury

Now we really need Wycombe and Brentford to beat Gillingham and Exeter respectively. It would be very special if Port Vale could get something from their trip to Spotland. I'm no longer bothered in the slightest about the likes of Bradford, Shrewsbury, Chesterfield etc. We're now eight games unbeaten and there can't be a better time to do that. I said previously that if we beat Shrewsbury then we'd go up. Well we are going up.

April 8, 2009

93rd minute Wycombe winner puts Bury 4th

Well fair dos, it was their first win in seven games so it was due. We're fourth now but we'll soon win third place back as Exeter have 2 very tough games over the easter weekend against Brentford then Wycombe.

We really need to beat Shrewsbury and this is now a massive game for us. If we win this, we'll go up. Its sadly one i'll miss as i'll be in Bowness. Damn you, family commitments.

Friday & Saturday's games are:
Bury v Shrewsbury
Morecambe v Bradford
Brentford v Exeter
Rochdale v Port Vale
Wycombe v Gillingham

We'll win or draw, Bradford will draw, Brentford and Exeter will draw, Rochdale will win and Wycombe will draw with Gilllingham. So a good day for our neighbours is in store.

Every week, the top teams are playing each other and if the league consisted of the top eight teams it would look as follows:

		Home Games					Away Games
Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Goals	GDiff	Points
Brentford	12	2	3	1	9	8	3	2	1	8	4	17	5	20
Wycombe Wanderers	12	2	3	1	5	4	2	3	1	6	5	11	2	18
Shrewsbury Town	12	3	1	2	12	5	1	4	1	6	6	18	7	17
Bradford City	13	4	2	0	10	3	1	0	6	3	10	13	0	17
Exeter City	12	3	1	2	8	4	1	3	2	6	9	14	1	16
Bury	12	4	1	1	8	2	0	2	4	2	6	10	2	15
Rochdale	12	2	2	2	9	7	2	1	3	6	10	15	-2	15
Gillingham	11	1	4	1	6	7	0	2	3	3	17	9	-15	9

So Gillingham are the worst when playing against the top teams and we're not much better. Shrewsbury are shit away from home and have won one away game all season (the first one, against Exeter) but i'm sure another one's coming before the end of the season.

April 5, 2009

Disappointing but still quite positive

Port Vale are a team we should be beating if we want to go up. Having said that, we're still in the automatic promotion places. Once again, results went largely in our favour with Rochdale losing heavily, Bradford drawing, Gillingham losing, and Shrewsbury also drawing. Exeter won and they're now second. Will they carry on winning and secure second spot? I doubt it. Their next two games are Wycombe and Brentford so I reckon they'll do a Gillingham and slip down into the playoff places again - but they're a real threat.

I had Luton v Wycombe down as a draw but they didn't play as Luton were busy winning the JPT and fair play to them.

The only significant midweek game is Darlington v Wycombe and a Wycombe win would put them second and push us into fourth. Normally i'd back them but the way things have been going, I wouldn't be surprised if we were still third going into the Easter weekend games.

April 1, 2009

Results conspiring in our favour?

Well Wycombe look like they're determined to blow it with another poor result - a draw at home to Barnet. So we're still second when I really expected us to be third this morning.

Saturday's fixtures:

Bournemouth v Rochdale
Bradford v Brentford
Exeter v Dag & Red
Gillingham v Barnet
Luton v Wycombe
Port Vale v Bury
Shrewsbury v Grimsby

I think we can go and get all three points at Port Vale. Most other top teams should win the exception being Rochdale who I think will lose at Bournemouth. Bradford play Brentford and I reckon a draw is on the cards there. Wycombe travel to Luton and could well drop points aswell. Looking at the league table, a draw for Bury could see us drop to sixth - that's how tight it is at the top.

Looking back to our previous promotion in 1996/97, throughout the season I always expected the bubble to burst and our season to fizzle out. Of course it never did and we won the second division championship under the guidance of Stan Ternent, a man generally regarded as our best manager in recent times.

This year I don't expect it to go shit-shaped, I think in Alan Kinll we have a sensible, knowledgeable and talented manager who is capable of taking us up to League One. Of course we may end up in the playoffs and remain in League Two and if we do its not the end of the world - think back to the past four or five years and the playoffs seemed a distant dream. This time around I feel very confident of success for the Shakers.

March 30, 2009

A good weekend for the Shakers

With six of the top seven playing each other and all drawing, plus a draw for Bradford, Bury's win over Bournemouth was like being given two bonus points. We're up to second now with six games left.

On Tuesday, Wycombe play Barnet at home, Exeter are at home to Port Vale and Chesterfield are at Aldershot. I'd expect Wycombe to win and go second whilst Exeter should win to close the gap behind us.

March 26, 2009

Another draw, another decent result but games are running out

We got a very creditable draw at Rotherham which represented a decent result. Problem is, decent results won't get us promoted. Rochdale went to Wycombe last week and got an awesome result. We're going to need awesome results if we want automatic promotion.

Having said that, Rochdale went to Chesterfield last night and got hammered 3-0 so at least if the teams around us are going to drop points like that then maybe decent results will be enough. Solid and consistent, that's what Bury need to be.

The weekend's fixtures are:

Brentford v Gillingham
Bury v AFC Bournemouth
Chester City v Bradford City
Chesterfield v Port Vale
Rochdale v Exeter City
Wycombe Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town

I'd expect Gillingham and Shrewsbury to drop points. Rochdale v Exeter looks like a draw or home win but either of those dropping points would benefit Bury, i'd rather it was Rochdale though. We should beat Bournemouth, especially after the Chester result, whilst i'd fancy Bradford and Chesterfield to win their games. That's right, i've had to start taking notice of the Spirites now ad they look like sneaking into the playoffs.

March 23, 2009

Probably the worst result of the season for Bury, but other teams keep doing us favours.

CHester looked like the worst football team in the league on Saturday and yet we failed to take three points. Rochdale were the only winners in the top eight or nine so they'll be buzzing and rightly so. Wycombe are now out of the top three and they must be the team we are aiming for.

Defeats for Gillingham, Exeter and Bradford have given us a boost but with tough games at Rotherham and at home to Bournemouth make me less than confident.

Still, we're only two points off the automatic promotion places with plenty to play for.

At this point in time, I think we're looking at the play offs but there's no reason to be too down in the mouth about that is there? Does anyone remember Chris Casper?

March 19, 2009

Midweek results are a mixed bag.

Bradford are doing their best to screw up their season - their 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth was their 5th consecutive away defeat. Gillingham, however, are now second after winning at Notts County and are looking dangerous.

We're down to 5th now but its ever so tight at the top.

Saturday's games:
Accrington Stanley v Exeter
Bradford v Port Vale
Bury v Chester
Grimsby v Gillingham
Shrewsbury v Morecambe
Wycombe v Rochdale

So that's wins for Exeter, Bradford, Gillingham and Shrewsbury. Bury are at home to Chester and Alan Knill is reported to be 'cautious' about the game. What a refreshing change! In the past the likes of Chris Casper would have been saying 'This ones for the goal difference' and then we'd lose 2-1 at home. Even knowing Bury as we do, its hard to see us slipping up here as oft we have in the past.

The other interesting game is Wycombe v Fail. Before Gillingham's win midweek, I wanted Wycombe to win this but if they do, then a gap will start to open up between third and fourth - and we'll be on the wrong side of it. I think Wycombe should win it and at least that should put us ahead of Fail for a while but that game away at Gillingham on April 25th is looking like it could be a cracker.

March 17, 2009

Another draw, another decent result (but are draws going to be enough?)

Saturday's draw at Lincoln was another decent enough result, but once again we've dropped points and we've also failed to take advantage of playing against ten men.

Still, Fail's defeat means there's now four teams on 61 points. Things are getting extremely tight at the top of the league. I've seen this before and its the team that shows the most consistency who ends up getting promoted.

I was hoping for Wycombe to lose at the weekend but they showed that they're not finished yet and with a home game against Fail this Saturday, I hope their good form continues. Bradford lost again as if we needed any further evidence that they're not promotion material and Gillingham drew with Shrewsbury who scored twice late on in a 2-2 draw.

Tonight sees a trio of promotion-chasing teams in action:

Bournemouth v Bradford
Brentford v Chesterfield
Notts County v Gillingham

I think Bradford could struggle at Bournemouth but should get a point whilst Brentford should win and Gillingham will be good for at least a point, probably three at Notts. This would drop us down to fifth. A lowly position indeed. It shows how far we've come in the 'Year of Alan' that we're disapointed to be fifth or sixth with just nine games left.

March 13, 2009

Midweek results and the weekend's fixtures

Whilst a draw at Morecambe represented a decent result for Bury, it was overshadowed by Fail's win over Bradford which shows not only that they are clearly good enough to be automatic promotion contenders but that Bradford are far too inconsistent to be taken seriously. Exeter's loss to Bournemouth and Wycombe's defeat at Lincoln were other positives to be taken from Tuesday as was Shrewsbury's draw at Aldershot.

We're 4th again now but its incredibly tight at the top. The way things are going I wouldn't bet against Brentford, Rochdale and Bury going straight up and Wycombe having to settle for the play-offs.

Saturday's games:
Brentford v Wycombe
Exeter v Bradford
Gillingham v Shrewsbury
Lincoln City v Bury
Rochdale v Rotherham

I fancy Brentford to put Wycombe to the sword - a result which could see the Chairboys drop out of the top three for the first time this season. I also reckon Exeter will draw with Bradford, Gillingham will beat Shrewsbury and Fail will beat Rotherham. As for the mighty Shakers, I fancy us to get a win at Lincoln.

There's often a team of dark horses who have a late run into the promotion race and this last few weeks its been Chesterfield getting some fine results. Here's a thought, what would you think of the chance to get revenge for our Wembley defeat of 1995?

March 10, 2009

Tuesday's games

I've got my confidence back a bit after the Rochdale game. Morecambe's next and its actually a really tough game, they're on very good form and Sammy Macc was manager of the month for February. We obviously are capable of winning it and if we approach the game in the right way, we probably will but they're a decent side and on top of their game.

Tonight's other key games:
Aldershot Town v Shrewsbury Town
Brentford v Barnet
Exeter City v Bournemouth
Gillingham v Darlington
Lincoln City v Wycombe Wanderers
Morecambe v Bury
Rochdale v Bradford

Shrewsbury will draw with Aldershot, Brentford will win as will Exeter and Gillingham. Wycombe could drop points at Lincoln who will be hurting after losing 5-1 at Grimsby. Rochdale and Bradford is an interesting one as Bradford are doing well at the minute and won 5-0 on Saturday so I predict a draw or away win there.

As for us, I think we'll draw at Morecambe. We'll drop a place or two but there'll be ten games left after this one and plenty of time to win our third spot back.

March 5, 2009

This weekend's Matches

When you think back a few years to derbies against the likes of Manchester City, Oldham, scum and even Stockport and Tranmere, it a miserable and depressing thought that the biggest game of our season is at home to Rochdale.

Anyway, that's what we've got this weekend and we're so desperately hoping for a win, partly because to fail to beat Rochdale is like going out with your mates and being the only one who doesn't pull, and partly because we've just lost two games and are in danger of losing ground in the promotion race.

So here's the other fixtures:
Accrington Stanley v Gillingham
Bradford City v Aldershot Town
Dagenham & Redbridge v Morecambe
Darlington v Macclesfield Town
Luton Town v Exeter City
Rotherham United v Brentford
Shrewsbury Town v Notts County
Wycombe Wanderers v Chesterfield

I forecast wins for Bradford, Dagenham, Shrewsbury and Wycombe and draws for Gillingham, Darlington, Exeter and Brentford.
Bury v Rochdale will be either a 1-1 draw ar a 2-1 away win with my money on the latter. This is the time of the season when it all goes shit-shaped for us.

Of course the really big question of the weekend is - with a mid-day kick-off, what are we supposed to do before the match?

March 2, 2009

Tickets for Fail

Tickets for the Rochdale game will be available to buy on Saturday morning, in case anyone's wondering.

March 2, 2009

A bitter disappointment

Well we lost narrowly to Brentford as I feared we might. I listened to the commentary and it sounded like Bury played well and deserved something, also that we got very little from the officials. Anyway, omwards and upwards, we play on Tuesday against Chesterfield and this is a game we should win comfortably.

Other midweek games:
Barnet v Rochdale
Bradford v Macclesfield
Dag & Red v Lincoln City
Grimsby v Brentford
Luton v Gillingham
Shrewsbury v Exeter
Wycombe v Chester

I think there'll be wins for Fail, Bradford, Dagenham, Brentford and Wycombe with Gillingham dropping points and Shrewsbury and Exeter drawing. This makes 3 points for us against Chesterfield very important as we prepare for the visit of Fail on Saturday. Dawson will be missing for that one, but hopefully Richie Baker can come in a do a job in his absense.

We dropped below Fail after this result but we had the hardest possible game in the division whilst they had the easiest so its not too bad. We really need to beat them next week though.

February 25, 2009

Darlington deducted 10 points for entering administration

Well its good news for the rest of us. Now its a real pity they didn't beat Fail last night.

February 27, 2009

Saturday's fixtures

Brentford v Bury
Exeter v Darlington
Gillingham v Bournemouth
Macclesfield v Shrewsbury
Morecambe v Wycombe
Notts County v Bradford
Rochdale v Grimsby

I reckon we'll draw or even lose at Griffin Park, Gillingham should win as should Wycombe and Rochdale. Shrewsbury have a shocking away record but i'll fancy then to add to their one away win so far this season when they visit Macclesfield, Bradford are at Notts and I think they could be in for a tough time. Meanwhile Exeter play Darlington and I forecast a draw in that one.

So on Saturday night, we'll be fourth behind Rochdale. Its still a good position to be in.

February 25, 2009

Tuesday's results

Well the game we really needed to end in a draw was a win for Rochdale. It puts them a point behind us so they'll likely overtake us on Saturday because even if we get a draw at Brentford, they're at home to Grimsby who are shipping goals for fun. Rochdale, on the other hand, are becoming a worry.

Dagenham lost to Bournemouth though and they're now eight points behind us having played a game more.

Just a point of interest, Bournemouth are now only two points behind Grimsby at the bottom. I fancy them to stay up and send either the Mariners or Chester into non league oblivion.

February 22, 2009

A good day for the Shakers

A decent win for Bury over Notts, was made extra special by the other results. Brentford beat Fail, Barnet hammered Bradford, Luton beat Shrewsbury and both Exeter and Dagenham drew.

There was only Bury, Brentford, Darlington and Gillingham who won so now we've got a four point gap between third and fourth.

Darlington are a bit of a worry because of their games in hand, they could overtake us if they got a decent points total from them.

The midweek games this week are:

Dag & Red v Bournemouth
Darlington v Rochdale

So at least one team below us will drop points with Darlo and Fail playing each other.

End of season prediction after 32 games: I reckon we'll go straight up, finishing 3rd.

February 18, 2009

A fine set of results from Bury's point of view

The only result which went against us was Shrewsbury winning. They're now a point or two behind us but having played a game more. Rochdale blew it against Morecambe conceeding a 93rd minute goal to Bury lad, Michael Twiss. Wycombe won but at the expense of another team just behind us (Dagenham) and Bradford and Darlington drew nil nil.

All in all, a fantastic set of results and we're still third. I'm very happy about that.

The weekend's key fixtures:
Accrington Stanley v Dag & Red
Barnet v Bradford
Bury v Notts County
Chester v Exeter
Darlington v Grimsby
Gillingham v Macclesfield
Luton v Shrewsbury
Rochdale v Brentford
Wycombe v Rotherham
Of these games, I would expect wins for Dagenham, Bradford, Bury, Exeter, Darlington and Gillingham. I think Shrewsbury may come undone at Luton whilst Rotherham have a chance of taking points off Wycombe. The interesting game of the weekend is Fail v Brentford. I don't care what Brentford and Wycome do from now on (apart from on 28th Feb when we play Brentford away) so i'm hoping for as Bees win there.

I couldn't bear it if Fail went up - unless we went up aswell. Their game in hand on us is away at Darlington so i'm confident that unless we screw up in games like this one at home to Notts, we'll finish above them.

February 15, 2009

15 Games to go

3rd in the league with 15 games left is not a bad position to be in. If we're still there on Tuesday evening i'll be very happy.
Tuesday's games:
Bradford v Darlington
Dag & Red v Wycombe
Gillingham v Aldershot
Macclesfield v Notts County
Rochdale v Morecambe
Shrewsbury v Chester

You'd expect Fail, Gillingham and Shrewsbury to win their games, but there's some interesting clashes too which will see other top teams drop points. I reckon Bradford and Darlo will draw, as will Dagenham and Wycombe. So we'll drop to fourth but sill still be in a decent position.

End of season prediction after 31 games: 5th place.

February 12, 2009

Grimsby Town v Bury this Saturday

If ever there was a game Bury should be winning with no problems whatsoever its this one. Grimsby have been suffering from a sustained period of utter shitness for the entire season and if it weren't for the points deductions handed out in the summer, they would be Blue Square Premier league fodder for next season.

They came to Gigg and predictably beat us earlier in the season, and in so doing, racked up their first league victory of the campaign.

Bury, however, have been doing well of late and are getting results where in previous seasons we would have been going down 2 or 3 nil without so much as a whimper. Last Saturday's draw with Dagenham & Redbridge was disapointing but also quite positive. For not the first time this season, we started poorly and were lucky not to be behind before we scored two quick goals. Of course, we should expect the team to win a game from that position, especially given the chances which fell to Bishop and Morrell in a blistering second half period.

On Saturday, we make amends. Teams like Grimsby are there to be battered out of sight. WIth the right attitude, this should be one for the goal difference.

February 6, 2009

Another Manager of the Month award for Alan Knill

He is the only Bury manager to have ever won it twice in one season. Well done Knilly and the boys. Let's hope that they can keep it up in February and avoid the traditional Manager of the Month curse by beating Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

February 2, 2009

Are we going up?

Saturday's result against Luton was highly encouraging. In fact the month of January was a good one. Four wins and a draw from our last five games has put us third in the table and breathing down the necks of Brentford and Wycombe

Were it not for a series of very poor performances and results in October / November we'd be right up there. We should have beaten Exeter comfortably at home so that's an extra three points and our performance against Rotherham was wothy of at least a point and that would put us on equal points with Wycombe at the top. Obviously you can look at near misses and other chances against other teams but beiong realistic, we should be up there.

We look pretty solid and with goals coming from a number of players, this could be our year. We've got a good manager, good players and 'unbelievable belief' amongst the team.

The fact that Andy Bishop turned down big money offers and higher division football to stay at Gigg speaks volumes for the future of the club.

Here's to an exciting second half of the season.

December 12, 2008

Being arsed

I can't be arsed doing any more work.

I can't be arsed brewing up.

I can't be arsed with the journey home from work (but i've no choice).

I can't even be arsed going to Gigg tomorrow.

I could barely be arsed writing this.

The irony is that there's probably not a single human being alive who will actually be arsed reading it.

I can, however, be arsed making and eating my tea tonight. Curry. Hmm mmm. Washed down with a bit of lager perhaps. Ah look, my zest for life is returning. Oh its gone again.

November 12, 2008

Mariners looking forward to their first win of the season?

Grimsby Town trudge hopelessly into Bury on Saturday, still looking for their first win of the season after 15 league games.

Bury would normally be a good bet for a comfortable home defeat in such circumstances, one of our specialities has always been losing at Gigg to teams who are bottom of the league (as Grimsby would normally be of it weren't for the points deductions handed out to other teams) but the faltering Shakers are currently on the crest of a wave - a wave of utter utter crapness, having lost our last FOUR home games.

It could, therefore, quite reasonably be extected to be the worst football match ever witnessed.

So will Grimsby get their first win, or will Bury finally get a home win? Who knows? Not me, that's for sure. I doubt I'll even go. Oh for God's sake, who am I kidding? I'll be there with knobs on, cheering my team on to a nil nil draw.

November 6, 2008

FA Cup weekend

So the F.A Cup trundles into town this weekend . . . well the FA Cup doesn't actually trundle anywhere, it sits in a glass cupboard in Portsmouth but you know what I mean.

We've got Gillingham at home on Saturday in probably one of the first round's least interesting fixtures. Its one which could go either way really, I can see us losing in extra time at their place a week on Tuesday or getting through comfortably at home.

The F.A Cup though, isn't it? The Football Association Challenge Trophy to give it its full name, You know? The excitement, the drama, the BBC Cameras at some little known non-league ground on Sunday lunchtime? Hoping for a cup upset? Marvellous isn't it?

Meanwhile, i'll be in Cheltenham drinking beer, eating food, trumping and picking my nose.

Marvellous. Let's hope we don't get kicked out this time.

October 25, 2008

Three home defeats in a row

Oh crikey, we've gone shit all of a sudden. We're only 2 points ahead of Rochdale.

October 2, 2008

Knilly is Manager of the Month

Alan Knill has won the manager of the Month award for League Two during September. Well done Knilly, and well deserved!

September 20, 2008

WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!!

League table as of 20/09/2008 . . .

Pos	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Bury	7	7	17
2	Wycombe	7	6	17
3	Bradford	7	7	15
4	Shrewsbury	6	12	13

Enjoy the moment lads - it doesn't happen very often.

September 5, 2008

Manager of the month

The league two award for August goes to Mark Robins, Rotherham manager and fair play to him. I'm glad Alan Knill didn't win it because we always seemed to lose in our next match whenever we've won it in the past.

August 29, 2008

Rochdale away

Probably the highlight of the Shakers' season comes early this year. I say 'highlight', its only that because we've won on our last few visits to snotland. Will we continue that on Saturday? Will Bury make it four out of four or will they finally beat us?

It would certainly cheer up our neighbours to get a result, I can't forget the look of utter delight on their stupid ugly faces when they scraped a draw against mid table Bury last season at Gigg.

What we do know is that the thieving bastards will be charging us twenty quid each to lower ourselves to visiting their shitty little excuse for a stadium, add that to the cost of a few pints of ale in one their crappy local hostelries and it adds up to an expensive day out.

Still, three points should soften the blow . . .

August 9, 2008

Here we go!

The new season is upon us and we're all excited. Look on the bright side, with three teams on minus points, we're not going down. Its quite feasible that a team could stay up with about 30 points this season so we should be okay.

But what about our chances? The bookies have us down as about 20th favourites for the championship at 40/1. Worth a punt? For promotion you can get 7/1 or 8/1 which is less appealing but realistically, the best we can hope for is the play offs.

At the time of writing, kick off for Bury v Brentford is 2 and a half hours away. LET'S GET READY TO GRUMBLE!

June 17, 2008

Managers and that

The managerial merry-gan-roond (as geordies call it - probably) is up and running again. Sven's gone from City to Mexico (as if the chances of getting shot in Moss Side weren't enough for him he's going to try his luck on the streets of Guadlajara - good luck son). Mark Hughes has quit 'unfashionable' Rovers for big spending quick firing Man City, Mourinho's gone to Internazionale and i'd laugh my tits off if they knocked Chelsea out of the European Cup next season (as would he I'm sure). Chelsea, meanwhile, have got Phil Scolari who I reckon will win them the league next season and will chew up and spit out the English media in the process. He strikes me as someone who will take absolutely no shit from anyone. Should be entertaining.

June 13, 2008

Stockport 3-2 Rochdale

Well the football season has ended and all the big issues have been sorted out. Man United won the European Cup because John Terry fell over, Portsmouth won the FA Cup because everybody else opted out this year and Rochdale's 39 year stint in the fourth division will continue for another year at least because . . well because they're Rochdale and what they do best is utter mediocrity. Just imagine, probably about 95% of Rochdale's fans would never have seen their team win promotion or even get close enough to get particularly excited about it.