Bury FC Development Team faced a challenging encounter against Wythenshawe Football Club Women’s 2nd at Gigg Lane on 20 October 2024. The match, which was the 1st round of the County Cup, ended with a scoreline of 1-3, leaving the home side to reflect on a strong performance and s few missed opportunities.
Bury lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creativity in attack. Ava Powell took her place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Eleanor Irvine and Katie Worsick as right and left defenders, respectively, with Susan Howard and Jade Kilduff forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Jane Mechen and Charlotte Pearson operated as central midfielders, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Hermione Barlow on the right, Gemma Kershaw in the central role, and Devon Booth on the left, with Daisi Daniels leading the line as the striker.
The substitutes for Bury included Natalie KirkGemma Kershaw and Rubi Leach, who would be called upon later in the match to influence the game.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but defences stayed on top. Bury came closest to opening the scoring as Gemma Hodcroft rattled the bar from the edge of the box, it looked to have the crossed the line but the referee waved play on. An early forced change for Bury saw Gemma Kershaw replace Katie Worsick at left-back. With both sides creating plenty of chances it was Wythenshawe who struck first. In the 29th minute, they found the net with a well-placed shot from the right foot, taking the lead and putting Bury under pressure. Bury responded by making a tactical substitution shortly after, bringing on Natalie Kirk for Jane Mechen in the 30th minute, aiming to bolster their midfield presence.
As the first half drew to a close, Bury found a deserved equaliser in the 44th minute, Hermione Barlow scored a stunning goal from outside the box, courtesy of a short pass from Natalie Kirk. This meant the teams went into half-time level at 1-1, with Bury gaining momentum.
Bury made a couple of changes at half-time, by reintroducing Katie Worsick and bringing on Rubi Leach for Devon Booth. The second half commenced with renewed energy, but it was Wythenshawe that converted their chance in the 58th minute, as they scored again with another right-footed effort, restoring their lead and leaving Bury to chase the game.
Bury created plenty of chances as Daisi Daniels hit the bar and post on a couple of occasions. However, Wythenshawe also applied pressure and, in the 83rd minute, they scored their third goal, effectively sealing the match.
In a final bid to alter the course of the game, Bury made two substitutions in the 84th minute, bringing back Gemma Kershaw and Devon Booth, but it was too late to make a significant impact. The match concluded with Bury FC Development Team succumbing to a 1-3 defeat, leaving them to ponder their performance and strategise for future encounters.
Despite the loss, Hermione Barlow’s standout performance, capped by her brilliant goal, provided a silver lining for Bury as they look to regroup and take the positives into their upcoming fixtures.
