St Margaretsbury FC - First Team Home Page

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Back Row L to R: Danny Dix, John Barker, Ben Tobin, Ryan Jones, Kris Smithers, Steve Barker, Adam Stock, Ben Herod
Front Row L to R: Kevin Eldridge, Ricky Light, Louis Rose, Stuart Cunningham, Tony Neilson, Tony Smith, Matt Maskell

Manager: Lee Judges (m) 07801 231553
Coach: Steve Sale (m) 07879 817517

Reserve Team Managers
John Davis (h) 01920 870978 (m) 07890 275326
Dave Russell (h) 01992 424982 (m) 07961 543232

2007-2008 Season

The Molten Spartan South Midlands Football League

Premier Division

P W D L F A Pts

1
Beaconsfield SYCOB 42 31 5 6 102 36 98

2
Chalfont St Peter 42 26 11 5 104 45 89

3
Biggleswade Town 42 28 5 9 93 51 89

4
Hertford Town 42 25 6 11 95 45 81

5
Harefield United 42 25 5 12 86 52 80

6
Langford 42 23 4 15 97 67 73

7
Leverstock Green 42 21 10 11 86 57 73

8
Brimsdown Rovers 42 21 7 14 85 51 70

9
Hanwell Town 42 21 7 14 79 65 70

10
Tring Athletic 42 19 6 17 77 76 63

11
St Margaretsbury 42 18 8 16 66 52 62

12
Broxbourne Borough V&E [ -10 points ] 42 20 9 13 81 73 59

13
Aylesbury Vale 42 16 8 18 64 73 56

14
Kingsbury London Tigers 42 15 8 19 57 73 53

15
Colney Heath 42 14 6 22 47 82 48

16
Welwyn Garden City 42 14 3 25 64 95 45

17
Cockfosters 42 11 9 22 61 92 42

18
Biggleswade United 42 11 8 23 60 97 41

19
Oxhey Jets 42 9 10 23 64 87 37

20
Holmer Green 42 8 9 25 49 99 33

21
Ruislip Manor 42 6 6 30 43 105 24

22
London Colney 42 3 4 35 27 114 13

Result: Saturday 12th April 2008
Premier Division
Welwyn Garden City 2 v 2 St Margaretsbury

Result: Saturday 29th March 2008
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury 2 v 1 Chalfont St Peter

As one of only a handful of games on in the area Bury entertained a decent size crowd. The pitch, which was under water in the morning was on due to the hard work of Pier Angelini, Ben Light, Mark Kail and Paul Butler who managed to clear the water. Title chasers Chalfont St Peters arrived with high hopes of maintaining there title chase. Bury, who have a habit of upsetting the big boys took the game to the visitors early on. Bury were first to break the deadlock when Andy Birnie opened the scoring when Ricky Light broke down the left and an exchange with Ben Herod saw the ball cross into the box where the arriving Birnie struck home from ten yards. An open game followed and it was end to end stuff despite the boggy pitch and after the half hour mark Chalfont equalised when a well struck shot from Hedley who fired into the bottom right corner. Bury pushed forward and with barely five minutes remaining in the first half Ricky Light scored to give bury the lead.

Second half and Bury were playing classic counter attack football. Chalfont pushed for the equaliser but were limited to long range efforts in the opening exchanges. With Chalfont desperate for the points Bury opened up on the counter with a couple of very close offside decisions not going there way. Then Loren Maxwell broke away and was baring down on the Chalfont keeper only for him to slice his shot, the bobble from the pitch doing the forward no favours. Chalfont continued to attack and the Bury defence stood strong as has been the case for most of the season. Chalfont came close when a long range effort looked destined for the top corner only for Smithers in the Bury goal to make a one handed save at full stretch to deny the visitors. Bury nearly extended their lead when Bury, again on the counter broke away only for Tom O'Neill's shot to go over the bar. Chalfont threatened late on but Bury deserved their win.

Manager Lee Judges commented "The boys were really up for it today, sadly Louis Rose was attacked last night suffering serious facial injuries and the boys pulled together and we won it for him"

Team - Smithers, Light, Barker J (C), Barker S, Hayward, Linger, Taylor, Birnie, Herod, Maxwell, Tobin

Subs - Used - Maskell, O'Neill, Taylor. Not used - Angelini M.

MOM - Ricky Light

Result: Tuesday 18th March 2008
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury 4 v 2 Leverstock Green

It was a cold night in south east Hertfordshire and on the night Leverstock Green were caught cold. Bury keen to build on Saturdays win against London Colney were keen to get revenge on Leverstock Green after a drubbing in the corresponding fixture. The game started at a frantic pace and all the early pressure was on Leverstock Green. Crosses were fired into the box and Bury nearly took the lead but Mitchell Linger's shot was well saved. The goal came after only 6 Minutes, Andy Birnies header found Ben Herod on the edge of the box and his volley was struck with aplomb to give Bury the lead. There was no let up by bury and they extended the lead soon after despite Leverstock's desperation to get back in the game they simply good not live at Bury's pace and after 14 Minutes Paul Taylor split the defence finding Herod who's shot was saved but fell to Linger who headed home via the underside of the cross bar. Bury continued to control the game with a rare flicker of light from the visitors. Leverstock managed to get one back after 32 Minutes when a cross field ball was headed into the pack and Frankie Jowle managed to find a shot through the crowd and into the bottom corner. All this did was spur bury on and caused them to raise the game again Ben Herod again went close just before the half only to have his effort cleared off the line.

Second half started slightly slower than the first but in the early exchanges bury were still on top. Leverstock had obviously left there shooting boots at home and certainly kept the ball boys fit! Smithers was only called into action once. Bury extended their lead when Mitchell Linger beat three players and then played a perfectly waited pass to Herod who curled the ball into the far corner from a tight angle for his second on the night and a contender for goal of the season. Leverstock's night was well and truly over when Loren Maxwell was allowed to cut in from the touch line and fire across the six yard box for the onrushing Andy Birnie to make it four on the night. Ben Herod made way for Matt Maskell with 10 Minutes to go to a standing ovation. Leverstock scored a consolation goal to make the score line more respectable when Armstrong lobbed the out rushing Smithers to make it 4-2 but the night belonged to Bury who simply destroyed the lacklustre Leverstock Green to take all three points.

Team - Smithers, Barker J (C), Hayward, Barker S, Light, Angelini, Taylor, Birnie, Tobin, Linger, Herod

Sub - Used - Maxwell, Maskell, Rose Not used - O'Neill, Stickland, Rose

Man of the match - Ben Herod.

Result: Saturday 15th March 2008
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury 4 v 2 London Colney

After beating Ruislip Manor last week Bury were up against another team fighting relegation. London Colney arrived with a much changed side from the team team that were beaten 5-0 away. Bury went close when a corner came in and was cleared, the resulting ball back in found Steve Barker who was one on one with the keeper but the London Colney stopper made an excellent save. London Colney surprised the home side when they took the lead on the counter attack through Dan McCarthy. The normally well drilled Bury defence were caught out and the London Colney striker took full advantage. Within five minutes Bury were level. A free kick was awarded 25 yards out which as he ran up a cross was expected but Ricky Light managed to find the bottom right corner with the keeper desperately scrambling across his goal. London Colney took the lead again when a shot was blocked and the diving Smithers took out Paul Taylor who while falling was adjudged to have handled the ball and the penalty was awarded and despatched by Craig White. Bury remained strong willed and fought their way back into the game and could of equalised if it were not for the impressive London Colney keeper who made two excellent saves to deny Herod and Linger respectively. Rewards came five minutes before the half when a cross from Light fell in the six yard box and the resulting prod home from Steve Barker to equalise.

After half time both sides were going for the win and were it not for a brave stop at the London Colney strikers feet Bury could of found themselves behind again. Ben Herod went close but pulled his shot wide from the angle. The goal finally came when substitute Maxwell received the ball in the inside left position the resulting cross fell to Ricky Light who turned home on the volley to give Bury the lead. With Fifteen minutes remaining Bury struck again. The tireless Andy Birnie won the ball in midfield and fed Maxwell, again in the inside left position who cut inside and lashed home into the bottom right corner to ensure Bury received all three points.

Team - Smithers, Light, Barker J (C), Hayward, Barker S, Angelini, Taylor, Tobin, Birnie, Herod, Linger.

Subs - Used - Maxwell, O'Neill, Rose. Not used Benterman

MOM - Andy Birnie.

Reserves result:

2-2 against Hoddesdon Town.

Result: Saturday 8th March 2008
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury 1 v 0 Ruislip Manor

A goal from Andy Birnie in the 28th Minute gave Bury the three points in truth Bury could of scored 4 or 5 but were thwarted by the impressive Ruislip keeper.

Result: Tuesday 4th March 2008
Premier Division
Chalfont St Peters 0 v 0 St Margaretsbury
A solid draw for Bury who were unlucky not to nick all three points in the final stages.

Result: Saturday 1st March 2008
Premier Division
Aylesbury Vale 0 v 1 St Margaretsbury

John Barker converted from the spot to give the Bury all three points on the trip to Aylesbury Vale.

St Margaretsbury Res 1 v 2 Hertford Town

A goal for Martin Stickland was not enough for Bury. Bury went one nil down after 15 Minutes when a right wing cross was met at the back post to give Hertford Town the lead. Bury's equaliser came after 35 Minutes in controversial circumstances a long ball from Ed Taylor was missed by the hertford defence and Stickland bundled through. There was a suggestion of an offside in the move but the referee adjudged Billy Dix as inactive in the build up to the goal. Hertford Town made sure of the points when they scored the winner with barely minutes remaining.

Result: Saturday 23rd February 2008
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury FC 0 v 1 Tring Athletic

After last weeks lively draw St Margaretsbury entertained Tring Athletic. Both teams were around mid table and the game started brightly for St Margaretsbury a whipped in cross from Mitchell Linger found Tony Smith at the back post whos half volley effort looped onto the top of the bar. With a swirling win the game was not one for the purists and chances were at a premium for both sides for Bury the back line were particularly strong with Simon Hayward shining. Bury came close after good work by Ben Herod whose cross just evaded Marc Benterman. Tring battled hard and nearly got the reward mid way through the half but the resulting corner came to nothing. Bury again went close but again Benterman failed to get his toe to the ball. Ben Herod was released through only for the linesman to give a very close decision.

Second half was much like the first with both sides cancelling each other out for most of the half. A decent save from the returning Smithers saved Bury early on in the half. Bury probed but failed to find the final pass with Tring defending resolutely. Deep into the half Bury were caught on the counter attack the Tring midfielder was allowed to run to the inside left position and his shot was deflected into the corner passed the wrong footed Smithers. With barely minutes remaining Bury were unable to find the equaliser and Tring played out for the win. This was not the most entertaining of games and frankly neither side deserved to win it.

Team - Smithers, Barker J (C), Hayward, Barker S, Light, Smith, Tobin, Eldridge, Linger, Benterman, Herod.

Subs Used - Maskell, Rose. Unused - Angelini, Devine.

MOM - Simon Hayward

Cockfosters FC Res 3 v 1 St Margaretsbury FC Res

Three second half goals gave Cockfosters the points after Bury took the lead in the first half through Tom O'Neill.

Result: Saturday 16th February 2008
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury FC 1 v 1 Brimsdown Rovers FC

After last weeks dire performance against Colney Heath Bury were looking for some bouncebackability. With less than a minute on the clock Bury forced a corner. The resulting cross delivered by Ricky Light saw the 6 foot 4, Brimsdown Keeper in a flap the follow up shot was saved but the rebound was adjudged to have been handled by the Brimsdown defender and the referee pointed to the spot, much to the annoyance of the Brimsdown players who felt hard done by. After last weeks penalty miss John Barker bravely stepped up to dispatch the spot keep into the keepers bottom right corner with barely 2 minutes on the clock. Brimsdown were clearly frustrated and tried to fight their way back into the game. Bury's defence was rugged and at times lived dangerouly. Darryl Mills in goal for Bury was nervous in the early stages and was quick to race from his line to punch clear only for it to fall to a Brimsdown striker who's shot was well blocked by Andy Birnie and the follow up chance was well tackled and cleared by Steve Barker. A great chance for Bury to extend the lead fell to recent signing Marc Benterman but after some great build up work the tall bury striker fluffed his lines with the goal beckoning. Brimsdown were desperate to get back into the game and the chance nearly came but for a last ditch tackle by Steve Barker. Bury made it to half time with the advantage des[ite Brimsdown rattling Bury's cross bar with Mills stranded.

Second half and Bury were under pressure early on but continued to hold strong. Both sides had plenty of possesion but Brimsdown had upped their game in the second half but were clearly frustrated at not being able to break Bury down. As the half continued the game became niggly and the frustration began to boil over the odd challenge was questionable and surprisingly the first yellow card was given to Tony Smith for what looked like a innocuos challenge on the Bury right touchline that was almost identicle to a challenge made on substitute Matt Maskell minutes earlier. By this time of the game a nasty under current was present and minutes later a a harsh free kick was awarded on the edge of the bury penalty box that was duly dispatched after a deflection into the bury net, then the fun started. A melee came after the goal when the Brimsdown forward decided to goad the Bury players and as all 22 men came together the officials had their work cut out to restore order. With minutes remaining Bury kicked off and played out the draw. At the final whistle the Brimsdown left winger decided to headbut Ben Tobin and another melee followed that was eventually seperated by the stewards and managers and the Brimsdown winger received a deserved Red card.

Team - Mills, Smith, Light, Barker S, Hayward, Barker J, Tobin, Linger, Birnie, Benterman, Herod.

Subs (Used) - Angelini M, Maskell, Eldridge (Not Used) Lovett, Devine

Man of the Match - Steve Barker

Result: Saturday 9th February 2008
Premier Division
Colney Heath 2 v 0 St Margaretsbury FC

After a draw with Holmer Green the following Saturday Bury were hoping to get things back on track with a visit to Colney Heath. bury started the brighter side and came close to taking the lead early on several chances were made with both Ben Herod and Matt Maskell going close but some good work by the Colney Heath keeper prevented Bury from scoring. After 20 minutes Colney Heath began to turn things around. Bury were looking lacklustre and Colney soon got on top. A well worked move down the Bury left saw a cross delivered where Colney Heath's forward arrived late at the back post and slotted home with aplomb. Bury were lacking real impetus and Colney Heath extended the lead when again some good interplay between the Colney Heath forward found his partner who went through one on one with Smithers and his finish was too powerful for the keeper who got his hand to it but was unable to keep it out.

Second half and Manager Lee Judges made changes to the line up. The introduction of Tony Smith and Marc Benterman clearly made a difference. Bury were now playing up the hill and it seemed to help. Tony Smith was involved in most of the action. His crossing nearly brought dividends but Bury could not find the target or the Colney Heath keeper was on fine form. A controversial incident during the second half when Andy Birnie was clearly fouled by a player already on a yellow but no red card was forth coming infuriating the St Margaretsbury contingent. The resulting free kick saw Steve Barker go close with a header. Soon after Bury were awarded a penalty when the Colney Heath defender brought Tony Smith down. John Barker stepped up and the keeper made a save down to his left and the follow up from Barker was sent wide from an acute angle. It was clearly not going to be Bury's day and Colney Heath held out for a deserved win. Bury were not at the races today and it is the first time this season under the new manager that we have not competed. A rare performance. With the forthcoming game against Brimsdown Bury will need to improve on this.

Team - Smithers, Barker J, Tobin, Barker S, Angelini, Light, Rose, Devine, Birnie, Maskell, Herod
Subs (used) - Benterman, Smith, Linger.

St Margaretsbury Res 2 v 1 Oxhey Jets

Second half goals from Jordan McCollin and a wonder freekick from Adam Bell gave the reserves a well deserved three points. After going in one nil down at half time Martin Gutteridge's side turned things round after the break.

Result: Saturday 5th January 2008
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury FC 1 v Biggleswade Utd 0

On a wet dull afternoon Bury welcomed Biggleswade United. With the pitch damp in places and this was never going to be a slick passing game of football. Bury fresh from the victory against Oxhey Jets started by trying to play quick 2 touch football but were unable to find any clear cut chances or the final ball. After 20 Minutes manager Lee Judges was forced to make two changes. Andy Birnie suffered a dead leg in a challenge and Kaine Lovett pulling up with a hamstring strain. They were replaced by Kevin Eldridge and Simon Hayward. Both sides were proving resolute in defence and both sides lacking a cutting edge. Biggleswade will have been disappointed not to have won the half as they had far more possession but met the Bury defence, in particular Steve Barker in fine form.

Second half and both sides upped the tempo and clearly thought they could get something out of the game. Biggleswade were without doubt the brighter of the sides and went close with shots from distance but Smithers in goal was rarely troubled. It all pointed towards a bore draw but with 20 Minutes remaining the game took a twist or two. First Biggleswade went close where a shot from 18 yards through a crowded box was well saved by Smithers. A further change for Bury the long awaited return of Mitchell Linger making his first appearance after a 6 Month lay off through injury replaced Adrian Devine in midfield. Bury tryed to take on the impetus and starting probing the Biggleswade back line. Ben Herod constantly tried to weave his way through and nearly combined with Maskell to take the lead. Herod received the ball from Angelini who twisted and turned but saw his shot blocked but the ricochet found Maskell who's sliding shot was saved remarkably by the Biggleswade keeper. The resulting corner was swung in but the keeper gratefully clutched the ball in front of the goal. It was now end to end stuff and then the controversy started. First, what appeared to be a poor challenge on Linger resulted in the game being stopped but a drop ball awarded despite the assistant flagging for a foul. Once the game was restarted the ball was cleared towards Ben Herod who handled on the edge of the area while trying to control the ball. The referee gave the free kick quite rightly and the Biggleswade United defender decided to smash the ball at the retreating Herod in an what can only have been an attempt to get Herod booked. Unfortunately for Biggleswade his shooting was as poor as their forwards as he missed the target and hit his fellow player, with the rebound falling to Herod who calmly stroked into the net which was unguarded due to the keeper leaving his goal to take the said free kick. This was quite posibly the comedy goal of the season and in my opinion just desserts for the unsporting behavior of the Biggleswade defender! Had Herod been standing over the ball rather than walking away the result may have been different. The controversy did not end here. Biggleswade had a good shout for a penalty in the dying seconds of the game but the referee decided there was no case to answer. Minutes later the final whistle was blown with Bury taking all three points. With a tough couple of away games coming up against Biggleswade Town and Chalfont St Peters Bury will be pleased to have banked 9 points over Christmas.

Team Smithers, Lovett, Barker J, Barker S, Light, Angelini, Devine, Rose, Birnie, Maskell, Herod.

Subs - Hayward, Glass, Taylor, Linger, O'Neill

MOM - Steve Barker

Result: Saturday 29th December 2007
Premier Division
Oxhey Jets 0 v St Margaretsbury FC 2

Matt Maskell gave us the lead on 60 minutes with a well worked goal. The cross from Marc Angelini was headed home from 5 yards at the far post. Ben Herod wrapped up the win on 90 minutes after a long clearance from Keeper Kris Smithers. Ben turned the defender inside out to lash home into the bottom corner.

Result: Saturday 22nd December 2007
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury FC 4 v Cockfosters 0

Matt Maskell hit a hat-trick in 10 minutes to set St Margaretsbury on their way to a deserved win at home to premier division strugglers Cockfosters.

The striker opened the scoring for the hosts in the 20th minute after latching on to Ben Tobin's excellent pass over the Cockfosters defence and rifling the ball into the net. Tobin then had to go off with a foot injury but his replacement, Ben Herod, worked tirelessley up front and proved a useful foil for Maskell.

The striker bagged his second just four minutes later, firing home from close range after another good move down the wing. He completed his hat-trick in the 35th minute after beating the offside trap and drilling the ball past the stranded Cockfosters keeper with his left foot.

Leading 3-0 at half-time, St Maragretsbury eased off at the start of the second half but a missed header in the 55th minute gave them the scare they needed to pick up the pace again.

Herod missed a good chance to score from close range when one on one with the keeper but he soon made up for it, chipping the ball over the custodian from 25 yards.

The St Margaretsbury defence was untroubled for the remainder of the game and they comfortably held on for a convincing victory.

Boss Lee Judges was pleased to see his strikers hit form and said he hoped the result would help the team push on challenge for a place in the top six.singling John Barker, Steve Barker and Kaine Lovett out for particular praise.

"I'm really pleased for Matt," he told the Mercury. "He's been working hard over the last few weeks with no reward so it was great to see him scoring goals." "We've done a little better than I expected at the start of the season but with the players we've got we could be a top six team." "I haven't seen a better defence in the league this season and with those three playing we're always going to be in with a chance in every hame. In the second part of the season I'd defintely like to see us kick on."

Report taken from The Mercury.

Result: Tuesday 18th December 2007
Spartan South Midlands League Floodlit Cup
St Margaretsbury FC 3 v Winslow Utd 4 (after penalties)

Goals from Louis Rose (19 Mins) Kevin Eldridge (45 Mins) Steve Barker (89) were not enough to take Bury through to the quarter finals.

Result: Saturday 15th December 2007
Premier Division
Beaconsfield Sycob 2 v 1 St Margaretsbury

After the midweek draw against Hertford Town Bury were confident ahead of the visit to high flying Beaconsfield.

Both sides started in tentative fashion with few chances in the early exchanges. Bury came closest to breaking the deadlock but the shot from Matt Maskell went over the bar. Beaconsfield tried to apply pressure but the long ball football was easily dealt with by the bury defence. Beaconsfield came close but a good save by Smithers followed by some good defensive work thwarted the threat. The deadlock was broken just before half time when a rare mistake by Steve Barker allowed Beaconsfield the chance to put them one up.

Second half and Bury started with fresh impetus. Bury delivered the ball into the box on frequent occasions but the Beaconsfield keeper was in good form and claimed most of the crosses. Bury maintained a large part of the possession and limited Beaconsfield’s opportunities. Tony Neilson came close when a Maskell header found him through on goal when a nasty bobble caused Neilson to shoot wide. This looked to be another one of those days when suddenly Bury found the equalizer. With 75 Minutes gone, a cross from Ricky Light was headed clear only as far as Louis Rose who’s left foot volley from 20 yards found the bottom corner. Bury continued to push for the winner and Beaconsfield looked rattled. Matt Maskell had a shot blocked and by now, the game looked like it was going to finish 1-1. With three minutes remaining Beaconsfield pushed forward. The ball was played along the Bury penalty area by the home side and was finally laid into the inside right position. Stuart Smith struck a shot that initially looked like it was going wide of the far post only for a last minute swerve, deceiving Smithers and finding the corner of the net. It was harsh on the Bury who’s performance deserved more.

Team - Smithers, Light, Barker S, Barker J, Lovett ©, Birnie, Rose, Eldridge, Maskell, Neilson, Angelini

Subs - Devine, Koroma, Hayward, Glass

MOM – Kaine Lovett.

Result: Saturday 1st December 2007
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury 0 v 1 Langford

Result: Tuesday 27th November 2007
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury 2 v 2 Broxbourne Borough

St Margaretsbury entertained local rivals Broxbourne in a game that was always going to be a challenge. Broxbourne were in good form leading up to the game and Bury were showing inconsistencies.

The early exchanges between the sides bore little fruits. Bury took the lead through Andy Birnie. The build up play was superb and the finish topped the move off. Ben Herod's pass found Andy Birnie 25 yards out and his chest control and swivel half volley was as good a finish as you'll see this season. 10 minutes later and the referee began to intervene. An earlier booking for Broxbourne's Junior Langsbury was the start of things to follow, an innocuous looking challenge soon after on Ricky Light resulted in Junior being sent off with little over 15 Minutes gone. This seemed to give Broxbourne fresh impetus when previously they looked lethargic. They soon equalised when Paul Dodd was on hand to capitalise on Kaine Lovett's miscontrol and slide the ball past Smithers. Soon after Broxbourne took the lead with another exceptional goal when Paul Dodd picked the ball up and struck a fine shot into Smithers bottom left corner from 25 yards out. Bury were struggling to get back into the game and Broxbourne thoroughly deserved their lead. Broxbourne continued to press but Bury began to find their feet again and when the ball went into the Broxbourne are a good initial save by the keeper was not enough when Andy Birnie arrived to poke home in the goalmouth scramble. An exciting first half.

Second half and it was all Bury. With the extra man they managed to find plenty of room and tried to find an opening. With the crowd expecting more goals they were left a little disappointed as Bury could not find a way through the Broxbourne defence. Bury came close when Kevin Eldridge hit a shot from distance and struck the crossbar. The excitement came with 15 Minutes to go Bury Sub Kieran Donaldson was harshly booked for a challenge on the edge of the box, the resulting free kick was blocked by the wall and Bury tried to break but to no avail. Minutes later and it was a Bury players turn to see red. After an exchange between Donaldson and the Broxbourne full back a melee broke out with Kieran adjudged to have raised his hands and subsequently sent off. The Broxbourne coach also received his marching orders in what seemed to be nothing more than handbags. That killed the game as a contest and the game ended at 2-2.

Team - Smithers, Barker J, Lovett, Barker S, Herod, Light, Tobin, Eldridge, Birnie, Neilson, Koroma. Subs - Donaldson, Darwin, Angelini, Maskell, Rose

Result: Saturday 24th November 2007
Premier Division
Leverstock Green 3 v St Margaretsbury FC 1

Result: Saturday 17th November 2007
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury FC 3 v Biggleswade Town 0

High flying Biggleswade came to the Bury sitting pretty at the top of the league. St Margaretsbury, having been beaten 5-0 in their last game against Ware had a point to prove and were clearly keen to bounce back.

The first 15 minutes was like a game of chess with both sides probing but not finding a way through. Biggleswade won a free kick 30 yards out but Smithers in the Bury goal claimed under pressure. Bury were starting to find their stride and were moving the ball with gusto. Tony Neilson received the ball 25 yards out with his back to the goal. His turn and mazy run into the box led to a toe poked shot that the keeper got a hand to but could not keep out to put Bury one up. Biggleswade Town were clearly rattled and they could not find any rhythm. with 38 Minutes gone Tony Neilson received the ball in the wide left position his cross found Louis Rose 25 yards out who's left foot strike on the half volley rifled into the net, a better goal you will not see this season. Bury came close to extending their lead only for Tony Neilson's shot to go wide and high.

Second half and Bury continued where they left off. Andy Birnie's high energy display in midfield was paying dividends with Biggleswade unable to settle and Kevin Eldridge pulling the strings. To any neutral you would of thought it was St Margaretsbury top of the league. Ben Herod received the ball from Alfie Koroma wide right, he cut into the box and curled his shot into the far side of the goal only for the post to rescue Biggleswade Town. Minutes later and Herod went close again this time shooting wide from 25 yards out. Bury's reward came when they extended their lead in the 70th minute. Tony Neilson received the ball from Ricky Light who's cross found Alfie Koroma who swivelled and poked home from close range to make it 3-0. Smithers in the St Margaretsbury goal was untroubled throughout with only a few catches to make, such was the performance from the Bury back line. St Margaretsbury ran out deserved winners.

Team - Smithers, Light, Barker S, Barker J, Herod, Birnie, Rose, Eldridge, Koroma, Neilson

Subs - Darwin, Tobin, Angelini M, Hayward.

Result: Saturday 10th November 2007
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury FC 0 v Harefield United 1

St Margaretsbury edged out by United

By Marc Beyeler

ST MARGARETSBURY went down 1-0 to Harefield United in a bad tempered match that saw frustrations boil over at the final whistle.

A goal just moments into the second half was enough to give United the three points but as referee Mark Morris blew his whistle players from both sides confronted each other after a foul on a United player.

The drama eventually settled down but it was a disappointing end to a match that Saints had looked more than capable of getting something from in the early stages. To add the hosts' woes, substitute striker Matt Maskell had to be replaced just five minutes after coming on following a clash of heads with a United defender.

Both sides put good moves together in midfield in the early stages and tested the defences. Danny Buckle forced a good save out of Kris Smithers in the 10th minute and at the other end Ricky Light delivered a fine cross that United keeper Nathen Cobb had to tip away to safety.

But United went ahead moments into the second half and from then onwards wereon the back foot as United raise their game. Alfie Koroma tested Cobb from close range but Harefield held on to take all three points.

Report taken from the Mercury.

Result: Tuesday 6th November 2007
Premier Division
Tring Athletic 2 St Margaretsbury 2

After Saturdays win at London Colney, the Bury visited a very strong Tring Athletic. Bury nearly scored as early as the 4th minute, the Tring defender coming in with a late saving tackle. The Speedy Tring winger gave Tony Smith a run for his money and Tony Smith was lucky not to be cautioned following two late tackles on him. Following this early Athletic pressure it was Bury who then took charge. In the 17th minute Bury came close and twice Tring cleared off the line. Bury's central defender Steve Barker was rightly cautioned following another scything tackle on the pacey Tring winger. In the24th minute Bury went close again, Tring got caught in possession, fortunately the shot was deflected away for a corner. With half time approaching Alfie Koroma was one on one with the keeper only to slip at the vital moment but it was a signal of intent. In the final minute of the half he again found space behind Tring's defence but this time he shot wildly over the bar.

The second half started with going close but heading over from 5 yards out. In the 54th minute, and following a free kick for Bury, the Tring keeper was forced to make a good save at full stretch, the loose ball going off for a corner. Just 3 minutes later Bury took the lead. Alfie Koroma scored when unmarked in the box, latching onto the corner by Louis Rose. Tring then raised their game. In the 60th minute they were awarded a free kick. The ball came into Bury's area where Paul Aldridge thundered in a header, only to see the ball cleared of the line by a well positioned defender. A few minutes past when Bury won the ball on the edge of their area and quickly turned defence into attack and sped upfield completely unchallenged until arriving in Trings area, where the ball went off for a corner. As with the first goal Alfie Koroma popped up completely unmarked to prod home for his and Bury's second goal.

Bury were really taking the game to their opponents. In the 71st minute Bury hit a post. In the 74th minute Tring reduced the deficit. Phil Otum neatly tucking the ball away. With minutes remaining Bury gave away a free kick which resulted in a corner. From the resulting corner Tring managed to prod home to get the equaliser in injury time. A disappointment after the overall performance but on reflection a good point over all.

Man of the match - Alfie Koroma.

Result: Saturday 3rd November 2007
Premier Division
London Colney 1 v St Margaretsbury 4

St Margaretsbury fresh from the midweek victory against Brimsdown were the favourites against bottom of the League London Colney. The game started as the crowd expected with Bury taking the lead after 3 minutes. A low cross from Tony Neilson was turned into the net by the Colney centre back. It was obvious to see why London Colney have been struggling, with a depleted side it wasn’t long before bury, playing up the hill won a freekick 25 yards out. After much debate as to who was taking the kick Louis Rose drilled his shot into the keepers bottom right corner to put Bury two up. Bury continued to pile on the pressure and won a series of corners before Louis Rose delivered from the left, John Barker’s bullet header shot into the top corner to make it three. Bury were unable to extend the lead and after the Colney keeper clashed heads with Steve Barker it was clear he could not continue after the half time break.

Second half and London Colney had obviously been put straight by there manager. With Bury surprisingly making a change with John Barker being replaced by Matt Maskell. London Colney pulled one back and it was what they deserved. Davey cut in from the right and beat two Bury players before unleashing a shot into the top corner that was simply unstoppable from 25 yards out. London Colney had a good spell with Bury looking tired and dishevelled. Bury completed the scoring through Matt Maskell with the introduction of Ben Herod for Alfie Koroma, Ben wriggled into the box and the shot was saved and spilled by the reserve keeper and Maskell was first to react prodding home from five yards. Bury very nearly made it five with several chances late on. Matt Maskell went close but somehow screwed wide from five yards. The closest they came was when Kieran Donaldson on for Tony Neilson delivered from the right and Ricky Light’s volley went just wide of the post.

Team – 1. Smithers 2. Neilson 3. Light 4. Barker S 5. Barker J 6. Lovett 7. Tobin 8. Birnie 9. Koroma 10. Darwin 11. Rose

Subs – 12. Donaldson 14. Herod 15. Maskell

Man of the Match – Ricky Light

Result: Wednesday 31st October 2007
Premier Division
Brimsdown Rovers 1 v St Margaretsbury 2

Bury took the lead through Alfie Koroma, Brimsdown equalised before the half. Bury’s second was scored by Ricky Light.

Result: Saturday 27th October 2007
Premier Division
Hertford Town 2 v St Margaretsbury 0

SHARPSHOOTERS Kevin Cooper and Ryan Redford both scored to ensure Hertford Town beat St Margaretsbury 2-0 in their league derby on Saturday. Unsurprisingly the game was littered with free-kicks and a number of bookings for the East Herts sides.

Hertford flew out of the blocks and came close to scoring in the first minute when Cooper shot wide from a Louis Lancaster cross. The opening goal, in a game of few real chances, came on the half-hour. Wide-man Pablo Ardiles marauded into the Bury penalty area, he survived one tap at his ankles and then went down dramatically. Despite protests from the visitors, the referee gave the spot-kick. Forward Cooper kept his cool and sent keeper Kris Smithers the wrong way.

Redford won the first corner of the game on 38 minutes by forcing a save from Smithers. The visitors responded by winning their first corner just before the break and came close themselves but Matt Maskell rifled wide. A Blues penalty shout early in the second half was turned down when Ardiles was barged off the ball.

Just before the hour-mark Bury manager, and ex-Hertford player, Lee Judges made two subs when Alfie Koroma and Ben Herod came on for Keiron Davidson and Maskell. Tony Neilson, who had had no luck at all as a striker, moved out to his more normal wide right position in place of Davidson. Neilson got himself more in the game but was unable to put any power into a shot which Lee Robinson easily gathered.

Hertford tried to add to their lead and came close with the move of the match. Ross Collins provided a superb cross for Redford, who volleyed athletically against the left-hand upright. The home crowd were calling for sub Lee Roberts to be unleashed and boss Dave Greenwood duly obliged on 75 minutes, with Collins making way.

However, minutes after his introduction it was a St Margaretsbury attack which had the fans biting their nails. With 13 minutes left the away side got through the home defence with Koroma finding Herod, but the whistle had gone for offside before Herod netted. Kaine Lovett protested too long about this and talked his way into being shown a yellow card.

Hertford's Matt McArdle soon followed him into the book for a dangerous high challenge.

Town eventually sealed all three points through Redford. The striker scored from 12 yards at the second attempt, his first shot being blocked by Smithers to end his recent baron spell. Now on top, Hertford might have added a third but Phil Goss was unable to get onto a Redford cross.

St Margaretsbury weren't finished and won a final corner when Nicky Marsh did well to block a Herod shot, but this provided an easy catch for the underworked Robinson in goal. In the dying seconds Roberts whipped in a cross from the left but there was too much on it for Redford to deflect the ball in.

Report from Herts24.

Result: Tuesday 16th October 2007
Premier Division
Kingsbury London Tigers 2 v 1 St Margaretsbury

Result: Saturday 13th October 2007
Premier Division
St Margaretsbury 5 v 1 Colney Heath

On a bright Saturday afternoon 'Bury entertained Colney Heath. With Bury still disappointed by the FA Vase exit it was time to get back to league matters. The game did not start to plan with Colney Heath's Jamie Hazell scoring in the early part of the first half. Bury had chances but an all too familiar feel as they failed to find the net. Former Bury player Dan Staples with the visitors looked solid in the first half and with his team mates were keeping the Bury boys at bay.

Second Half and things changed Tony Neilson entered the fray and Bury got back into the game. Ricky Light Opened his account for the 'Bury when he cut in from the left and rifled home to make it 1-0. Bury took the lead through a Steve Barker cracker! Colney Heath struggled to clear a corner and when someone finally put their foot behind it Steve managed to block the clearance and the rebound went straight in. Colney Heath seemed to fall apart and with several bookings the side crumbled. 'Bury's third followed swiftly and Ricky Light again popped up for his second of the game. Ben Herod and Matt Maskell added to the tally before full time for what seemed a comfortable win.

Man of the Match – Light

Team - Smithers, Donaldson, Light, Barker J(C), Tobin, Barker S, Rose, Birnie, Maskell, Herod, Smith Subs - Darwin, Neilson, Cunningham, Harding, Dix B.

Result: Saturday 6th October 2007
F.A. Vase: First Round Proper
St Margaretsbury FC 0 v 1 Wembley

Game Sponsored by

After Bury’s penalty and extra time heroics in the previous round Bury were drawn against Wembley. The game started in bright fashion and Bury had the early chances. John Barker went close with a header and a Maskell shot was well saved by the Wembley keeper. A constant flow of crosses, mostly delivered by Kieran Donaldson found Maskell and Herod who were buzzing but with no end product.
Second half and Wembley seemed to find their rhythm and begin to put Bury under pressure. Wembley took the lead when a corner was delivered that Smithers got a hand to only for a scramble to ensue resulting in the ball being prodded home through the crowd of players. Bury tried to get back into the game and the Wembley keeper was kept busy but was never really tested.

In the 73rd Minute the referee and assistant deemed the Wembley captain to have elbowed Steve Barker resulting in a Red card. Bury tried to take advantage but couldn’t find the net. With the introduction of Harding and Darwin, the latter making his debut for Herod and Smith Bury again tried to force the issue with Harding winning a freekick but the resulting effort was wasted. The introduction of Kaine Lovett was a welcome return to action for the club skipper. With minutes remaining Ricky Light’s cross found Matt Maskell who’s header from 5 yards out slipped wide of the post and with that chance Bury’s hopes went wide and out of the FA vase for another year.

Team – Smithers, Light, Donaldson, Barker J ©, Tobin, Rose, Barker S, Birnie, Smith, Herod, Maskell
Subs – Harding, Cunningham, Darwin, Jones, Lovett
Man of the Match - Donaldson

Result: Tuesday 2nd October 2007 (Home win on penalties)
Challenge Trophy (Second Round)
St Margaretsbury FC 0 -v- AFC Dunstable 0 (aet)
(3:1 on penalties)

Bury continued their run of cup games with a visit from AFC Dunstable despite being a division 2 side Dunstable certainly lived up to their reputation. With Tobin and Neilson restored to the line up the team had a familiar look about it. New Signing Dean Harding was on the bench for the first time this season.

The game had a frantic start, both sides had half chances with Tony Neilson came close on the 25 minute mark. A corner from Louis Rose was half cleared by Dunstable and Neilson’s volley from 20 Yards rattled the cross bar. John Barker found himself in space and in front of goal after a cleared free kick was put back in the box but Barker’s finish was found wanting. Various long distance shots from both sides could not find the net. For long periods the ball seemed to be in the air and endless long balls took the game to half time.

Second half and much of the same followed with no clear cut chances for either side. Dunstable had a shot from an acute angle but Smithers was equal to it. The introduction of three subs Harding, Birnie and Donaldson for Cunningham, Smith and Maskell disjointed the play for a while. Ben Herod almost bundled through only for the keeper to make a good save. Soon after the referee took centre stage Ben Herod, who was booked earlier in the game made an innocuous looking challenge on the touch line and the referee reached for his book and sent off Herod with 15 minutes remaining. Minutes later a 50/50 challenge saw Louis Rose and a Dunstable defender clash and a melee ensued.

Extra time and neither side looked like they were going to find the winner and yet again Bury were heading towards penalties.

Penalties started with Dunstable taking first sending Smithers the wrong way. John Barker stepped up and dispatched with the keeper getting a touch. Smithers then made the save to give Bury the advantage. Tobin, who missed in the previous spot kicks finished high into the net, again the keeper got a touch. Smithers then made a second save. Up stepped young Louis Rose whose iceman like finish extended Bury’s lead. Dunstable’s striker stepped up under pressure needing to score but blazed wildly over.
It was not a great performance but Bury made it through.

Team – Smithers, Cunningham, Barker J, Tobin, Light, Neilson, Rose, Barker S, Smith, Maskell, Herod
Subs – Harding, Dix D, Eldridge, Birnie, Donaldson

F.A. Vase: Saturday 6th October 2007 (Home K.O. 3.00pm)
First Round Proper
St Margaretsbury FC -v- Wembley

Result: Saturday 29th September 2007 Reserve Division 1
St Margaretsbury FC 1 Sawbridgeworth town 0

Result: Tuesday 25th September 2007 (Away)
F.A. Vase (Second Round Qualifier - Replay)
Harwich & Parkeston 2 v St Margaretsbury FC 2
(aet) 2 - 4 on penalties. Congratulations Team!

Having drawn on Saturday ‘Bury had the return trip to Harwich. With a depleted squad leaving the Clubhouse at 4.30pm and two players stuck on a delayed train hopes were not set high. After Manager Lee Judges had a re-jig it was noted that the rain had created a greasy playing surface, which ought to have suited the away side, but it was not to be early on. A needless free kick was awarded 30 yards out and the delivery was met by Morley whose flicked header skidded off of the greasy surface and under the wrong footed Smithers. Bury took time to regroup and the game became scrappy Andy Birnie took control of the midfield and ‘Bury got on top with Maskell unleashing a shot after 30 Minutes and Wooten in the Harwich goal saved well. This was the turning point in the half. Soon after Bury equalized when a good spell of pressure led to a goalmouth scramble with Ben Herod toe-poking the ball home.

Bury did not want the half to finish as waves of attacks and some slick football was met by a Harwich keeper in great form.

Second half and it was end to end but neither side could break the deadlock. The introduction of the delayed Tony Neilson almost brought reward when Maskell was released in the final minutes but he delayed his shot and the covering defender got a foot in and a considerable shout for a penalty resulted but to no avail.

Extra time kicked off and Bury started at the higher tempo. It wasn’t long before Bury were back on top when the release of Ben Herod who’s quick feet got him away and through on goal and again the Harwich keeper got a hand to it but with no effect as the ball continued into the net.

Bury looked like they were going to make it through with the result in extra time for the 3rd time in a row but it was not to be. With a minute remaining Steve Barker conceded a penalty, which was duly dispatched by Calver for the home side and onto the lottery of penalties.

Harwich kicked first and a dramatic save by Smithers gave ‘Bury the advantage. Up stepped John Barked who capped an impressive game with a converted penalty Harwich scored the second and Steve Barker converted for the ‘Bury. Ben Tobin was next for Bury and the delays on the train took its toll as the normal composed Tobin saw his strike saved. Next up and Harwich saw their penalty saved by Smithers. Tom O’Neill casually netted to give ‘Bury the advantage. The Harwich Keeper stepped up next and rifled into the roof of the net but it
Was not enough as Tony Neilson rounded off for Bury with a cool finish to take Bury through to the next round where they face Wembley at home on the 6th October.

Team – Smithers, Cunningham, Barker J, Barker S, Light, Eldridge, Dix, Birnie, Rose, Herod, Maskell
Subs – Tobin, Neilson, O’Neill
Man of the Match Birnie/Barker J

Please Note: Saturday 29th September 2007
Premier Division
Brimsdown Rovers v St Margaretsbury FC (Match Postponed)

Result: Saturday 22nd September 2007
F.A. Vase (Second Round Qualifier)
St Margaretsbury FC 1 v Harwich & Parkeston 1 (aet)

After extra time in their previous game on Tuesday night a laborious performance ensued. On a bright sunny day at the recreation ground both teams wearing a bury kit, due to a clash in colours for the second time this season. Both sides showing a strong defensive spirit. Clear cut chances were kept to a premium. Harwich were first to try their luck from distance when a shot from the inside right position forcing a full length save from Smithers. Both sides tried to play football but were inhibited by a pernickety referee who seemed afraid to let the game flow. Bury's chances came mostly from set pieces and the closest was from Maskell who headed over. Harwich & Parkeston took the lead when Tony Neilson lost the ball on the half way line and Steve Townes for the visitors smashed home from 25 yards. Bury's first half performance was not what we have become used to this season and overall Harwich were the better in the first half.

Second half and a change to the line up with Stuart Cunningham replacing Adam Stock allowing Ricky Light to return to his favoured role on the left and his partnership with Tony Smith showed rewards instantly the pair combined to deliver for Maskell who's effort was well saved by Ed Wooten in the visitors goal. After 57 Minutes Bury's pressure forced a corner Louis Rose delivered and Steve Barker's looping header found the top corner to bring the scores level. The game opened up and was end to end stuff with both keepers making good saves. Ricky Light came closest to finding a winner for Bury only for his shot to squirm wide. With minutes remaining Harwich had the ball 5 yards out with the goal at their mercy when Smithers saved point blank to keep Bury in the Vase and force extra time.

Extra time carried on where the second half finished both sides were looking for the killer blow and again the game was end to end. Matt Maskell hit a dipping volley in the final minutes only for Wooten to tip over and the claim the resulting corner. So we have to do it all again at the Royal Oak ground on Tuesday night.

Man of the match - Kris Smithers

Team - 1 Smithers 2 Light 3 Stock 4 Barker J 5 Barker S 6 Tobin 7 Neilson 8 Rose 9 Herod 10 Maskell 11 Smith
12 Dix 13 Jones 14 Eldridge 15 Cunningham

Result: Tuesday 18th September 2007
Premier Division Cup
St Margaretsbury FC 2 Cockfosters 1 (aet)

Last time these teams met the ‘Bury beat Cockfosters 5-1 it was quite clear there was going to be a repeat this time around. In what can only be described as a high tempo scrappy game Cockfosters took the early initiative and tested Bury’s latest signing Ryan Jones who was equal to it. The game became heated after a collision between Adam Stock and the Cockfosters midfielder which resulted in a melee between the players where Cockfosters skipper appeared to raise his hands. The referee failed to deal with the situation adequately and it set the tone for the remainder of the game with more cards than Clinton's.

Bury had chances early on but failed to convert, the pick of the bunch being a strike from Ricky Light that stung the keepers nose and hands! Cockfosters took the lead soon after when some good work resulted in Nicky Steward striking. The Cockfosters celebrations were likened to a lottery win with their Skipper dancing like Nobby Stiles. Cockfosters deserved the lead and their game plan to kick and bully St Mags appeared to be working despite the sending off of Cockfosters manager for abusing Matt Maskell. Tony Neilson came close to equalizing when he went on a mazy run which resulted in his shot just narrowly squirming wide. Cockfosters further attempts were thwarted by the dynamic Bury back line.

During the half time break Manager Lee Judges’ talk must have been inspirational as the flow of the game changed. Bury were back on top and the sloppiness disappeared only the final ball was lacking. A few tactical switches and Bury were on top and creating chances. Now it was Cockfosters turn to get rattled, Bury won a corner which was delivered into the edge of the six yard box a scramble on the line ensued and the ball was stabbed over the line by Matt Maskell. The Bury faithful went wild. With the game in the balance and both sides creating chances Keeper Ryan Jones was pulled into action to make two excellent saves in quick succession. Bury were surging forward and going for the win and won a corner. Tony Neilson’s resulting volley went just over.

Extra time was inevitable and the game continued in the high spirits and tempo as at the start. Bury looked the fitter and were putting the pressure on. A goal kick from Ryan Jones picked out Marc Angelini in acres of space on the wing the resulting cross was cleared only as far as Louis Rose and the young midfielder struck home from 18 yards. At the turn around Cockfosters looked like the wind had been taken out of their sails and were now struggling to get any rhythm. A deserved and satisfying victory.

Team - 1. Jones. 2 Angelini 3. Smith 4. Barker J 5. Stock 6. Tobin 7. Neilson 8. Rose 9. Herod 10. Maskell 11. Light
Subs – 12. Dix D (for Neilson 100) 13. Smithers 14. Cunningham (For Stock 95) 15. Dickinson

Man of the Match – Ben Tobin

Result: Saturday 15th September 2007 Premier Division
St Margaretsbury FC 4 Aylesbury Vale 2

Result: Saturday 15th September 2007 Reserve Division 1
Mursley Utd 3 St Margaretsbury FC 0

Tuesday 11th September 2007
Challenge Trophy First round
St Margaretsbury FC 1 Kings Langley 0

Saturday 8th September 2007
St Margaretsbury 3 Northampton Spencer 2
FA Vase – First Round Qualifier

St Margaretsbury’s first FA vase game of the season with the game only 2 minutes old, St Margaretsbury took the lead through the head of Ben Herod after good work and a cross from Tony Smith. Northampton Spencer quickly won the first corner of the day with the resulting header fired over. The game continued with end-to-end action with both sides creating chances. On the 27th minute Northampton had a good shout for a penalty that was denied from the referee. Shortly after the referee handed his first yellow card to Tony Smith swiftly followed by Ian Giles of Northampton Spencer. Chances continued for both sides and as St Margaretsbury FC cleared their lines, Ian Giles received a second booking of the game for a studs up foul on Adam Stock, resulting in an early bath. The half time whistle swiftly followed.

Second half and what looked to be a sloppy start by Bury, quickly turned in their favour. With only 5 minutes of the second half played Andy Birnie robbed the Northampton Spencer’s Gaston Guel, his pass to Tony Smith resulted in a testing shot well saved by the keeper. 2 minutes later and St Margaretsbury extended their lead when after a corner was cleared Adam Stock’s header on the edge found Ben Herod who’s left foot volley looped into the top corner in spectacular fashion. Northampton Spencer put pressure on St Margaretsbury and had two chances in quick succession only for a weak shot to end the move on both occasions. After 63 Minutes it was 3-0, when a throw from Marc Angelini found Andy Birnie on the edge of the box who stroked home.

Northampton Spencer never lost hope and after 71 minutes got their reward. A lobbed ball through the centre found substitute Tom Stratford who finished into the bottom corner. 5 Minutes later Northampton Spencer had St Margaretsbury worried when they won a free kick on the left hand side and the resulting delivery was met in the centre and the ball dropped to Pete Gregory who headed home to make it 3-2. The final few minutes were played with Northampton Spencer dictating the pace.

Man of the Match – Ben Herod

St Margaretsbury FC
1. Kris Smithers 2.Tony Neilson 3.Tony Smith 4.John Barker 5.Ed Taylor 6.Andy Birnie 7.Adam Stock 8.Louis Rose 9.Ben Herod 10.Matt Maskell 11.Ben Tobin 12.Steve Barker 14.Marc Angelini 15.Danny Culwick 16.Billy Dix
17.Daryl Mills (GK)

Saturday 25th August 2007
Cockfosters 1 St Margaretsbury 5

The Sun finally decided to make an appearance this Summer and so did the goals for the Bury. After the unlucky loss to Hanwell Town the previous week the Bury boys tried to make amends under the guidance of the new management team of Lee Judges, Steve Ricketts and Steve Sales. The first 15 minutes was mostly Cockfosters' and were close to taking the lead but a good one handed save from Smithers saved the blushes. St Margaretsbury struggled to find their rhythm but once they did they were in complete charge of proceedings.
Bury took the lead after Smithers throw found Marc Angelini who's pass down the line found the tricky Ben Herod who in turn picked out Luis Rose who burst into the box to finish a silky Bury move. The second wasn't far away and a some slick purposeful passing found Ben Herod who again finished stylishly. Bury continued to probe and several chances were spurned with Ben Herod unlucky with a cross shot that went just wide. Bury continued to attack in waves and again came close when the energetic Andy Birnie shot wide. Bury were comfortable at half time and deserved their two goal lead.

Second Half saw bury come out of the blocks the quicker and despite a fussy referee the game managed to flow with Bury making the early chances with Andy Birnie going close only to see his finish cleared of the line by skipper Kaine Lovett. As the half went on Bury looked like they were going to fail to add to their two first half goals. Changes were made with Marc Angelini making way for Adam Stock who having only been on the pitch five minutes curled a shot from 25 yards into the far corner that the keeper had no chance with. Ricky Light was introduced for Ed Taylor and Jason Tang for Ben Herod both made an instant impact when a pass from Kaine Lovett found Tang who on the half way line found Light wide left and his run resulted in a shot from the edge of the box that the keeper did well to parry only for Luis Rose to follow up and net. Cockfosters managed to get a consolation with barely ten minutes to go when Jon Moniatis managed to beat a couple of Bury defenders and unleashed a shot which arrowed into the top corner. With five minutes to go Jason Tang received the ball in the inside left position and cut inside and smashed home from the edge of the box into the far corner.

A commanding performance from the team who's mix of youth and experience is looking positive and joint top after four games i s no mean feat.

Team - 1. Smithers 2. Angelini M 3. Taylor E 4. Barker J 5. Culwick 6. Tobin 7. Barker S 8. Lovett 9. Rose 10. Herod 11. Birnie 12. Stock 14. O'Neill 15.
Tang 16. Light

Saturday 18th August 2007
Hanwell Town 1 -v- St Margaretsbury 0

Lee Judge's first game in charge as St Margaretsbury boss ended in defeat but there was plenty of positives to take out of the game.

Despite missing key players, including Ben Herod and Andy Birnie, Bury started the game well with debutantes Jason Nelson, 16, and Luis Rose, 17, particularly impressive.

Matt Maskell had a shot blocked when well placed and in the 20th minute Steve Barker headed against the post as Bury continued to dominate.

The second half was more evenly contested and after an hour Hanwell began to threaten as the visitors tired. They should have taken the lead in the seventy-fifth minute when good interplay of Bury's penalty area put their forward in on goal but he blazed over on close range. but hopes for a draw were shattered five minutes from time when a neat one two ended with a Hanwell forward slotting the ball passed Smithers for a crucial one nil lead.

A stamping on Ben Tobin moments later saw Hanwell reduced to ten men as the referee brandished the red card. In the dying minutes Danny Culwick had a shot cleared off the line, and then had appeals for a penalty waved away after a Hanwell defender climbed on top of him in the area.

The equaliser did not arrived, but the manager Lee Judges remained upbeat about the future. He said "I was disappointed with the result but not the performance, i took a lot of positives from the match".

Tuesday 14th August 2007
Biggleswade Utd 0 -v- St Margaretsbury 1

At a windswept and wet Biggleswade ground the bury hoped to continue where they left off from Saturday. Bury started the busier and applied pressure early on winning a corner. From Tony Smith's delivery John Barker smashed a volley at the back post that the keeper managed to tip onto the cross bar and to safety. Bury continued to dominate possession Matt Maskell came close with an acrobatic overhead kick and the persistency nearly paid off when a shaky looking Biggleswade defence allowed Andy Birnie to reach the ball before the keeper only to see his slid shot squeeze wide. The Biggleswade keeper getting injured in the process. Kaine Lovett was taken off injured soon after and a switch around at the back saw Ed Taylor enter the fold.
Biggleswade came close at a corner only for Smithers to tip over. Half time was soon upon us and despite Bury's pressure they still hadn't found the net.

Second half and with the wind still blowing and the rain pouring Bury continued to make better of the conditions but unable to break the deadlock.
Biggleswade had a period of pressure half way through the second half but were unable to convert their half chances. Bury took control again and with pressure applied in the midfield Steve Barker was unlucky with an effort from the edge of the box, hitting the post. Bury were soon on the attack again Ben Tobin released Ben Herod who's shot was fumbled by the keeper and Matt Maskell followed in for a well deserved goal for his hard work. Ben Herod had a shot from the edge of the box that stung the keepers hands. Tom O'Neill came on with 15 to go for Tony Smith and Billy Dix came on for Ben Herod for the last 10 minutes. Bury defended the last 10 Minutes despite lots of pressure and came through with another clean sheet. 6 points out of
6 who would of bet on that!

Team - 1. Kris Smithers 2. Marc Angelini 3. Adam Stock 4. John Barker 5.
Kaine Lovett 6. Ben Tobin 7. Steve Barker 8. Andy Birnie (c) 9. Matt Maskell 10. Ben Herod 11. Tony Smith

Subs 12. Tom O'Neill (for Tony Smith) 15. Danny Dix 16. Ed Taylor (For Kaine
Lovett) 17. Billy Dix

Saturday 11th August 2007
Ruislip Manor 0 -v- St Margaretsbury 1

Team - 1. Kris Smithers 2. Marc Angelini 3. Tony Smith 4. John Barker 5.
Kaine Lovett 6. Ben Tobin 7. Mitchell Linger 8. Andy Birnie 9. Matt Maskell 10. Steve Barker 11. Ben Herod Subs (Unused) 12. Jason Tang 14. Danny Culwick 15. Graeme Dearie.

Bury started the season in turmoil, having sacked their management team only one week before the season kicked off.

On a hot day in Ruislip, with caretaker managers Martin Gutteridge and Alan Hunt in charge and in their new change strip of blue and yellow Bury set about containing the new look Ruislip side.

Ruislip started the brighter but found themselves stifled in the final third by the Bury back line. A save from Smithers low down at the near post prevented Ruislip taking the lead. Chances were at a premium until around the half hour mark. Ruislip forward went through one on one with Smithers and some how Ruislip failed to take the lead. No more than 10 minutes late Bury took the lead through Steve Barker. A free kick from the left that was swung in by Tony Smith who's inviting cross was buried at the far post from
6 yards.

Bury, looking well organised managed to see it out to the half with Kaine Lovett marshalling the Bury back line.

Second half and both sides seemed to be suffering in the heat. Ruislip came close again when a corner swung into the far post was headed towards goal only for Smithers to palm away.

Bury's midfield were working overtime with the all action Andy Birnie snapping into every tackle. Bury had a point to prove and had chances towards the end of the game with Mitchell Linger and the hard working Matt Maskell combining well only for the keeper to save Linger's shot. Maskell again combined with Linger and saw his chance well saved by the Ruislip stopper. Maskell's effort throughout in the blazing heat deserved a goal but it was not to be.

The full time whistle came and on reflection it was not the greatest game against two well matched sides.

In a game that no one could of expected a win, Bury did just that.

© 2007 St Margaretsbury FC