Bury’s promotion hopes fell at the final hurdle as the Shakers were beaten 3-2 on penalties by Wythenshawe Town in the playoff final at Ericstan Park.

A long 46 match league campaign earning a club record 92 points was not enough for Bury to win the title and after a nail biting semifinal victory over Charnock Richard the Shakers booked their place in the final away to Wythenshawe Town, for many years the nearlymen of the North West Counties Premier Division.

The run up to the match had seen a scramble for tickets and hurt feelings over allocations. A giant screen was erected at Gigg Lane for fans who missed out while those fortunate enough to be able to watch live arrived at Wythenshawe early and in fine voice.

On the pitch however it was a far more subdued start as both sides perhaps playing the occasion started nervously. Connor Comber ought to have done better when teed up by Tanaka Cherera his tame effort aimed straight at home keeper Greg Hall.

As the opening period of the match continued it was the home side that began to pull ahead. Tom Bentham and Will Riding both saw efforts go wide of Harry Wright’s post while former Premier League winger George Boyd saw a goalbound shot blocked by Oli Jepson. Bentham broke through on goal and saw his initial shot saved by Wright who then caught the rebound and Riding had a shot from point blank range brilliantly saved by the busy Bury stopper but the linesman’s flag would have nullified the chance regardless.

Bury went into the break very much second best and in need of a spark. Sam Coughlan had been brought on just before halftime and striker Andy Briggs added during the break and both had chances, Coughlan firing on goal from a Jepson header forced Hall into his first meaningful save while a long ball over the top by Harry Wright to Briggs nearly saw the centre forward knock the ball over the charging opposition keeper.

Just as Bury looked to be getting into the match Wythenshawe Town took the lead. Pouncing on the loss of possession at the back captain Sam Sheridan blasted a shot into the top corner with Wright well beaten to give the home side the lead.

Bury were reeling from going behind and struggled to look like the side that had won so many matches over the course of the season. A long free kick from Wythenshawe beat everyone and just missed Bentham alone in front of goal but Wright was there again to claim the cross. Bentham could have put the contest to bed when Bury’s Tom Moore slipped at the back but the big number 9 could not take a shot.

Bury changed their shape adding Dean Pinnington and Jacob Holland-Wilkinson as wing backs and switching to a back three. With the home side beginning to tire Bury at last began to turn the tide of the match. A Gaz Peet cross was met by Pinnington but his shot was well saved by Hall with Briggs lurking, Briggs nearly won another aerial duel with Hall as Wythenshawe’s outfield players struggled to cope with the pressure put on them.

On 83 minutes Bury finally found their breakthrough Pinnington set through by Briggs weaved his way through the defence and fired a shot that slammed into the far corner and set off huge celebrations in the Bury end of the ground.

Briggs could have won the match outright in stoppage time, finding himself in behind the defence he a touch too many trying to find the perfect chance to beat Hall when perhaps a swing from his unfamiliar left boot might have been enough. The last action before full time saw Briggs played in one last time, bundled over in the box the referee waved away any penalty claims Bury had. The full time whistle rang out and the dreaded shootout beckoned.

Bury fell short at this stage but the manner in which they did was the most disappointing part. Chinedu Uche had already scored the home side’s opening penalty when Connor Comber placed his effort too close to Hall who saved Bury’s first. Harry Wright came to the rescue saving Matt Liptrott’s attempt before Rodney Ajayi blazed over. Bury failed to take advantage however Oli Jepson missed wide with his penalty and centre back partner Tom Moore fired well over the bar. Sam Coughlan and Jacob Holland-Wilkinson managed to put their efforts away and after five penalties each the score stood at 2-2.

Into sudden death Khius Metz put away his leaving substitute Aaron Morris to take for Bury. The third defender to take a penalty for Bury and the third to miss the target. His penalty sailed over, Wythenshawe Town were promoted and Bury were not.

Sadness, frustration, disbelief and anger were clear to see in the stands as what was such a hopeful season ended in such a way.

It was not the ending Bury had wanted but it was the one they got, the one silver lining from the day is that unlike in 2019 Bury know they have another chance next season. For now Bury can only regroup, plan for next term, and hope they can do one better next term.