Lee Slade

GK

Paul Judkins

DEF

Mark Cook

DEF

Rob Djemal (c)

DEF

Peter Green

DEF

Matt Williams

MF

Chris Payne

MF

Angelo Santini

MF

Dan Hemmings

MF

Andy Payne

F

Simon Braine

F

Iain Biddle

F

Paul Dobson

MF

Martin Southall

GK

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With a few absent and a few ill today Saracens were set for yet another reshuffle, after last weeks defeat Saracens looked to right the wrongs of the previous week and were good value for the result as well.

Saracens truth be known did not start the game very well, we looked a little off colour and were nearly made to pay immediately but for a superb save by Lee to keep out a firm strike within the first 5 mins, if anything this seemed to wake Saracens up a bit who responded by going straight up the other end and nearly scoring albeit for a smart save from the Bury keeper who was to thwart many more good attempts by Saracens in the next 15 mins.

As the game progressed Saracens found their feet and their good football to spray the ball around the park and drive into space whenever possible, we created well but struggled to find the final ball to get in on goal. When it seemed all our way Bury broke quickly to race clear, The player was clearly offside but with our Linesman being unwell he was unable to keep up with play and raise the flag, the bury player progressed and placed the ball beyond Lee for the advantage 0-1 25mins gone.

This really incensed Saracens who stepped up a gear to really go at bury, just when we were back on top of the game we found ourselves wanting after a clever bit of play by Bury found their player open on the right to swing in a ball for a good header on target from 10yards out. Unfortunatley for Lee, he didn’t read the bounce and the ball hit the mud and squirmed under his hands and into the goal. Lee was left devastated by a basic error but was soon to make up for it. 0-2 30mins.

Shortly afterwards Bury were in again Lee produced a superb save and was up quickly to turn the follow up around the post for what was a breathtaking double save.

At this point Manager Martin Southall was going slightly mad on the sideline, his words seemed to be heard and encouragement seemed to flow back into the side, Chris Payne was doing his all to motivate the troops which worked to good effect.

As half time approached Saracens were very in control but could not find the finishing touch, Saracens as the previous week were guilty of missing 2 simple chances to score but again were found wanting.

Half time came and a few words of encouragement were given and a change of pace and style was called for.

We took back to the field determined to overhaul the scoreline it would not really be to unfair to suggest there was only 1 team on the field in the second half as Saracens took affirm control and proceeded to batter the living daylights out of a clearly shell shocked Bury. If not for their keeper it could have been a lot worse.

On 55 Mins Saracens were awarded a penalty after Simon was rugby tackled to the floor in the box, the Referee was in a great position to award the kick.

Up stepped Andy Payne to convert from 12yards into the bottom right corner 1-2 55mins Game on.

Bury being a little stunned kicked off and immediately conceded possession, Saracens bound forwards and were awarded a corner after a great save from the Bury Keeper. He came out and claimed well and sent Bury on their way forwards. They broke to quickly and were caught short when Rob won the ball and played into Angelo, his quick feet shifter the ball to Chris who played an inch perfect ball for Simon to latch onto and lob the onrushing goalkeeper to level the tie 2-2 57mins.

Saracens continued to press with voices ringing in their ears that a draw was not good enough and were looking for the winner.

Matt cam close after good work from Dan & Pete down the right saw the ball fall into his path but with time he steered his shot wide of the target, Simon was then in again but just couldn’t connect with the ball to turn it home.

A few more great saves from Andy & Dan by the Bury keeper denied Saracens the winner, and when Rob crept in for a corner his firm header just cleared the bar.

With 15 mins left personnel were moved about and Rob was withdrawn from the action to be replaced by Iain up front to partner Simon.

The pressure on Bury was relentless and with 2 mins left Saracens counter attacked brilliantly to find Simon in space out on the left, his first time ball was met by Iain who ran from within our half to stay onside straight through and placed his shot under the onrushing Bury keeper to settle the tie 3-2 92 mins.

Manager Martin Southall said “today was excellent, we did not start very well but picked up quickly, we didn’t get phased by the goals and continued going about our business well, half time was key today and the second half Bury could not live with us at all Chris ran the show today and was worth his MoM. The football we played today was top draw and it showed well, Bury relied on the long ball which our backline dealt with admirably. Today we sit top pf the league, now the challenge is there for us to stay there till the end of the season, a great game and a great result to put last weeks game out of our minds. Well done everyone simply superb.”