In a gripping league clash at South Reddish Park on 13 October 2024, Bury FC Development Team and AFC Stockport Lionesses played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. The match, which kicked off at 2:00pm, showcased a blend of attacking flair and resilient defending from both sides, culminating in a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Bury FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creative attacking play. Ava Powell took her position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Eleanor Irvine on the right, Jade Kilduff and Gemma Kershaw in central defence, and Katie Worsick on the left. In front of them, the double pivot of Charlotte Pearson and Rachel Todd was tasked with controlling the midfield, while the attacking trio of Danielle Halliday on the right, Gemma Hodcroft in the central attacking role, and Hermione Barlow on the left aimed to support lone striker Daisi Daniels.
The substitutes for Bury included Devon Booth and Fran Sharples, who would be called upon later in the match as tactical adjustments were made.
The match began with Bury FC asserting their dominance early on. In the 12th minute, Daisi Daniels opened the scoring, after converting a precise ball through from Gemma Hodcroft, from inside the box with her right foot. Just two minutes later, Hermione Barlow doubled the lead, finishing off from close range from a well-placed cross from Danielle Halliday, set up by a defence splitting pass from Eleanor Irvine down the right.
However, the Lionesses responded swiftly, pulling one back in the 22nd minute with a well-taken goal from inside the box, scored with the left foot. This goal injected new life into the home side, who began to press for an equaliser as the first half progressed.
At half-time, with Bury holding a slender 2-1 lead they made a tactical substitution, bringing on Devon Booth for Danielle Halliday, who had played a crucial role in the first half but was replaced to adjust the team's strategy.
The second half saw Bury make further changes to maintain their advantage. In the 61st minute, Fran Sharples replaced Rachel Todd, who had been instrumental in midfield. Shortly after, in the 66th minute, Daisi Daniels was substituted due to injury, with Danielle Halliday returning to the pitch to bolster the attack.
In a match that was becoming increasingly physical, Bury were forced to make more substitutions due to injuries. Rachel Todd came on for Gemma Kershaw in the 75th minute, and then in the 81st minute, Gemma Kershaw returned to the field, replacing Charlotte Pearson, who had also succumbed to injury.
As the match entered its final stages, Bury made another tactical switch in the 82nd minute, with Daisi Daniels re-entering the fray, taking the place of Hermione Barlow. However, the Lionesses continued to press and found their equaliser deep into stoppage time. In the 96th minute, they scored from close range, after converting a chance inside the box with a right-footed effort from a corner, that left Ava Powell with no chance.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, a result that reflected the competitive nature of the encounter. Ava Powell, the Bury goalkeeper, was particularly impressive, making several crucial saves to keep her side in the game. Both teams will take positives from this thrilling contest as they look ahead to their next fixtures.
