Match Report by Adam Symes

Jordan Harding and Tamzin Gallagher’s first half finishes ultimately were the deciding factors in Bury’s opening matchday stalemate.

The first 15 minutes saw an even split of action between both teams in their opposition’s final thirds. But the Lionesses were ultimately the ones to break the deadlock with an audacious lob by their right-winger Tamzin Gallagher in the 19th minute.

Bury then replied around 10 minutes later after Metcalf was taken down in the box by Boulton, which the referee deemed to be a penalty. Jordan Harding stepped up to the spot and coolly slotted the ball away into the bottom left corner in the 29th minute, leaving no chance for Pomfret.

Towards the end of the first half, the game seemed to slow down in its tempo as goalscoring chances were few and far between. An in-swinging corner whipped in by Harding caused a few problems for Salford’s defence which marked the best opportunity of the half after Bury’s equalizer.

The 2nd half started in a similar fashion to how the 1st half ended as the game started to become a rather cagey affair with neither team being able to break through their opposing defences. Bury’s coaching staff attempted to inspire some change into the game through the substitution of Jasmine Dawkes onto the pitch.

This plan of action appeared to be working as shortly after entering the pitch, Dawkes found herself with a great chance in the 64th minute that she put just over the bar following a fantastic delivery by Alldread from right wing. The pair linked up again just a minute later as Dawkes found herself in acres of space on the left-hand side, where she expertly squared the ball to Alldread who just missed the target after a slight miskick.

Bury sustained this attacking pressure as Harding found herself at Left Wing after stepping out of defence and pulled the ball back to Hatcliffe who forced a finger tip save from the Lionesses keeper. This strike would be the last real chance of the game as both teams struggled to bypass the defenders who all had solid matches.

As a result of this impressive defensive showing, Bury’s keeper Lily Groves earned Player of the Match in her debut game after impressing with her confidence in shot stopping and distribution.

Overall, the contest was a steady performance which resulted in a point for either side. Bury will now hope to build on this display with a win over Tranmere at Gigg Lane on Sunday.