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Applications for the 2008 / 2009 Season
Position: Reserve Team Manager

Applications in writing to Steve Dix, Director of Football, C/O St Margaretsbury FC

Also Required:

We are currently looking for team players for U8's, U9's & U10's (Years 3,4,& 5) for the 2008/9 season. If interested please contact Steve Dix, Director of Football.

Herts County Cup Final
Sunday 27th April 2008
St Margaretsbury 3 Bishops Stortford 0

The U16's deservedly won the final of the Herts FA Challenge cup recording a hard fought 3-0 win over holders Bishops Stortford in the final played at the County Ground Letchworth on Sunday.

Both sides struggled to settle, which not helped by numerous changes of the match ball by the referee, before a suitable ball could be found. However Bury, playing down the slope in the first half, started to impose themselves on the game and had the first serious effort on goal after 10 minutes as Chris Sargent's left foot volley from just outside the area went narrowly wide. Shortly after a fine move finished with Jack Barrett feeding Tom Querry who screwed his shot just wide.

Stortford then came close to scoring as Harold Craston picked out Sheldon Sellears in space on the left and his curling right foot shot went just wide of the far upright. The first corner of the game did not arrive until almost 30 minutes but Bury almost took the lead from it as Tom Bruno's deep cross found Jack Lampe whose first time shot was cleared off the line by a Stortford defender. Stortford responded immediately and following a good passing movement George Wappett found space in the area shooting narrowly wide again as he was closed down by a Bury player.

The crucial opening goal arrived 5 minutes before half time as Stortford failed to clear another Bruno corner from the left and the ball fell to Chris Sargent in space just inside the area, who was allowed time to control the ball and fire a left foot volley through a crowded area into the roof of the net.

Playing down the slope Stortford started the second half strongly and for 10 minutes had their best period of the game, passing the ball well and pinning Bury back in their own half. The turning point in the game came on 62 minutes as the ever dangerous Wappett brushed off the challenges of two defenders before taking the ball round Lewis Mackay in the Bury goal and crossing from the by line to the arriving Sellears who somehow managed to hit his shot over the bar from only 5 yards out with an empty goal at his mercy.

Let fortuitously off the hook Bury then noticeably upped their game and came close to extending their lead as Tom Querry's curling free kick from the right side of the box came cannoning back off the far upright. Bury introduced Dominic Ferrol, for the unfortunate George Lacey who had to go off injured with a hamstring injury, and his pace started to cause problems to the stortford defence. With 15 minutes remaining and the pressure mounting, a Harry Fromet corner from the right was headed on by Sargent and the ball fell to Jack Barrett who turned and hooked a close range shot past Nathan Cox for the killer second goal.

Unlike the league game earlier in the week when Stortford came back from two goals down to draw, a comeback never looked likely and as Stortford pushed forward for a consolation goal gaps opened up in their defence. The 3rd goal arrived late on as following a fine move, Ferrol released Connor Williams on the right and his crisp low shot found the corner of the net to wrap up a fine win.

The team have also secured the Eastern Junior Alliance North Western Division title following Hoddesdon being unable to field a team last Thursday and now proceed to the league play off semi finals details of which are currently awaited. Next up Bury now have the opportunity to acheive a superb treble when they play Southend Manor on May 7th at Ware's Wodson Park ground.

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

You have been summoned

Saturday 20th October 2007

The game on Saturday was entertaining in the end. I thought we started well and should have been up 2 up before they scored. I was just thinking this was going to be one of those games, when up popped Ben Herod with a header. After that goal it seemed we scored with every attack, we was ruthless in our play and well deserved to win.

Tuesday was a disappointment after we weathered their early pressure we scored a great goal. A well worked move involving Ben Darwin and Andy Birnie finished well by Ben Herod. After some sloppy play for 10 minutes we were 2 – 1 down. We didn’t play well on the night and deserved nothing.

Today we have to be at our best, the players will be made well aware of that.

Next Saturday we are at local rivals Hertford and your support will be appreciated. Hope to see you there.

Until next time
Lee Judges

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.

The Judge Rules!

Firstly I have to say what a disappointing result it was against Wembley last Saturday. I thought we played well enough to win the game especially in the first half. The players were all disappointed in the dressing room after the game. When we are on top we need to take our chances.

On a positive note I thought Kieron Donaldson had a great game at right back another young player with a lot of potential. Ricky Light also played well at left back and is improving week by week.

It’s good to have Kaine Lovett back and after a couple of games in reserves he should be back in contention.

We haven’t played a league game for a while so it’s good to be back in league action today.

This month is going to be a tough one but if we apply ourselves in the right way and work hard we should be in a good position going into November. I feel we are going in the right direction and hopefully we will have a good result and performance today.

Until next week

Lee Judges

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

The Judge Speaks again!

Firstly I would like to thank everybody that went to Harwich last Tuesday, your support was much appreciated. The lads on the night done very well especially after all the difficulties we had with travel arrangements etc. I think over the two games we deserved to go through, it was a late night but all worth it in the end.

The squad is now getting stronger and that was visible on Tuesday. I was pleased with Kevin Eldridge and Danny Dix who made their first starts for the club.

I have made three new signings this week being Ben Darwin, Dean Harding and Rakesh Dhall. Ben is an exciting young player who can play in midfield or upfront. Dean is a quality player who plays wide and up front. Rakesh Dhall is a defender who I have high hopes for once fully fit.

I am glad to announce that Ray Greenall has joined the coaching staff I am delighted he has decided to return to the club.

On the injury front Kaine is now back in training and hopefully Ed will also be returning very soon. Marc Angelini has suffered a hamstring injury and I expect him out for a couple of weeks. Hopefully Mitchell will be back in full training in a week or so.

Finally I would just like to say after Steve’s recent spell in hospital it’s great to see him back at the club already and I’m sure he will be back in the dug out before you read my notes. We all wish him well in his full recovery.

Until next time

Lee Judges

Return of club Physio Karen Oxby.

Karen will be returning to the club as of this Saturday. Karen returns after having major surgery on her back. Although still unable to take up the full duties of physio, all at the club are delighted to have her back at the Bury.

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

The Judge Speaks

Firstly I would like to say how happy I am to have returned to the club as manager having spent several years here as a player.

Having got the job, it was then important that I secured the services of Steve Ricketts and Steve Sale. Steve Ricketts is a top class coach and I believe everyone at the club will benefit from his great coaching skills. This is already starting to show at training sessions and on match days.

I have known Steve Sale for over 20 years and his experience will be vital for me and the team.

I am hoping to bring in another coach this week and as soon as I have, I will announce it in my notes.

I have also got a goal keeping coach on board, which will help all our goalkeepers. His name is Bill Henderson.

On the players front we have started off reasonably well with some encouraging results. The players are working hard but there is still a long way to go.

Until next time.

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: Saturday 22nd September 2007
Reserve Division 1
Oxhey Jets 3 St Margaretsbury FC 1

Friday 21st September 2007

Bury announce the Signing on Tony Neilson. Tony returns to the bury after having spells at various local clubs including Hertford Town and Broxbourne Boro.

Received today via email:

Just a small note to say a big thank you!

To all the lads at St Margaretsbury FC,

We would just like to say thanks for the money you raised for us.

The support that everyone has given us as a family in this difficult time has been very overwhelming and we are so grateful. Adam is doing well and is currently recovering from a skin graft operation which has been extremely successful, he will be moving to Stanmore hospital within the next few weeks to undergo approximately 4 more surgeries which will hopefully repair the damage to the ligaments, veins and nerves behind the knee cap! The long term out look is still unclear but we are staying positive and will keep you updated.

Please come and join us at Cheshunt FC on the 14th October for a charity match -

Arsenal 11 + Celebrities V's Cheshunt 11 + Celebrities.

Kick off 2pm.

Adam will be there to watch the match and he would like to see you and thank you personally.

Thanks again, your kindness means so much and has really helped our family.

Lyndsey, Adam, Harley-Rose and Billie-Anais.

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)

Football Development Course

Steve Dix the new director of football announces a new football development course for girls and boys from ages 4+ starting on Saturday 8th September. For more details contact Steve Dix on 07737 603587.

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

Hanwell Town 1 -v- St Margaretsbury 0

No Report

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

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