A sensational day for the Bury Relics Stripes, who maintain their good play from last fixtures to complete a league championship win. The squad that helped achieve this success consisted: Eddy (GK and C), Fast Ken, Andy Van R, Mark T, Mitoma Mike, Mark E, Steve H and Iain D. Manager Ken Bug, with back up staff Keiren T, Pat and Keith S. The following report was written by the star striker of the day, Andy Van R.
Just to put a bit of meat on the bones of today’s matches (for those who weren’t there).
The Stripes had started the day 3pts above their nearest rivals (Ribble).
Game 1 v Salcombe (To watch, click-here).
As much as we dominated, we couldn’t score, the big moment was when Mark E was through and barged from the side, the Ref played on, but later admitted (to be fair to him) he should have given a penalty.
Result was a 0-0 draw.
With Ribble winning, we had to beat our next opponent.
Game 2 v Wakefield (To watch, click-here).
Always a tough game and this was no different.
Penalty to us, up stepped Mike to beat the keeper 1-0, Wakefield went all out attack, twice leaving us with 3 on 1, but alas we couldn’t get the second.
Then disaster struck, Eddie who (unbelievably) hadn’t been beaten all season (15 games and counting) conceded, although it wasn’t his fault and was very dubious, the goal stood.
Result was a 1-1 draw.
We had drawn 2, while Ribble had won all 3 of their games, so now 4pts behind.
Game 3 v Roach (To watch, click-here).
Obviously, now a must win game, and win we did a great move, including a lovely pass from Ken, which was swept in by Andy Van R.
Result was a 1-0 to the Stripes
Now the big one.
Game 4 v Ribble (To watch, click-here).
Very tight game with plenty of tension and fouls, with 2 mins to go the Ref warned that both teams were on 3 fouls.
Another foul by Ribble gave Bury the chance, the keeper went one way, the ball was sent the other way by Andy Van R, jubilation on the sidelines was quickly cut short, within 1 minute Ribble had their pen, their captain dispatched it low and hard into the corner, but one lad decided he wasn’t going to be beaten, and somehow got finger tips to it to push it wide (Great save Eddie👏).
Result was a 1-0 to the Stripes.
The league was now back in our hands.
Game 5 v Bolton (To watch, click-here).
No love lost between the two teams and not much in the game, once again both teams ended up with 3 fouls in the dying minutes. Then Bolton committed their 4th, so another penalty, once again, dispatched to the opposite side by the ice-cool Andy Van R.
This time, however, Bury Relics Stripes kept their discipline (and more importantly the ball) to see the game out, to much celebrating from our fans at the final whistle.
Result was a 1-0 to the Stripes.
Well done boys… CHAMPIONS 🏆
Congratulations to the Stripes, it is phenomenal to win the league and the team looks very strong. It creates an interesting possibility; if the 60s whites stay in division 2 next season, and the Stripes have another great season to get promoted again, a question is, can 2 Bury Relics teams play in the same 60s division? Hopefully, both 60s teams get promoted next year, so the issue is obsolete. In any case, what a fabulous achievement by the Stripes!
Report by Andy Van R, photos by Kodak Keith and Iain D. The videos from Nev, Ken, Motherwell Ian and his son Alistair.
Photos
Bury Relics 