The S24 Preview: Bury v Southend United

21 October 2010 16:45
Memories of 1991 and all that; and maybe a sighting of Efe Sodje! Gigg Lane beckons on Saturday, October 23rd, kick-off 15.00, so let's start getting in the mood for the game. v SHRIMPERSThis is going to be a toughie and we must hope that Blues boss Paul Sturrock gets the tactics right this time around, and doesn't start with Luke Prosser!Expect son of Luggy Blair to make a start after coming through a reserve run-out OK, but fellow striker Barry Corr's comeback still seems way off.Banking on Josh Simson to be fit in midfield and Chris Barker to return at left back.Not a lot seen from young forward Waide Fairhurst so far but would expect him to get another chance, might get an opening if Blair can hold it up for him.The defence will have to be on the ball to keep an eye on Bury ManU loanee Nicky Ajose, seven Shaker goals in the last two games but please no 5-3-2 again, with Graham Coughlan to keep his place as Bilel Mohsni sits out the last game of his three match ban. As with most away games, but especially this one, would be very happy with a point.Possible Southend United: Morris, Gilbert, Barker, Coughlan, Clohessy, Simpson, Grant, Timlin, Soares, Fairhurst, Sturrock. Subs: Evans, Herd, Phillips, Hall, Crawford, Jarvis, Paterson.COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!OPPOSITION No new injury news at present, will update.Ex-Shrimper Efe Sodje is still at Gigg Lane, and should face his former club1Chesterfield 1251018823176741251425+112Port Vale 123216341111473217724+103Rotherham United 1233013932195651221423+84Bury 12231118411139642241722+75Shrewsbury Town 1242011421376633181021+8Once again Bury are making a push for promotion, and fans will be hoping they get it right this time, but they've started with a better away record than at home, hope for the Shrimpers, then again, maybe not......Last time at home: Bury 3 Accrington Stanley 0 (played on Saturday, October 9th, 2010) Nicky Ajose: Could be a real handful for the Shrimpers defenceNicky Ajose's first goal in professional football might just have scuppered Alan Knill's chances of keeping him at Gigg Lane. The Shakers knew their time with the jet-heeled striker was likely to be short when they convinced Manchester United to send him out to League Two on loan in September. But such has been the 19-year-old's impact in his five appearances so far, it appears he has played his way into Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for the Carling Cup game against Wolves at the end of this month - ending any hopes of extending his deal for now. Knill would certainly be happy to keep the Bury-born teenager if United changed their mind, but is also pragmatic enough to know the potential long-term benefits of sending a player back to Old Trafford who has blossomed under his tutelage. The Shakers boss said: "We're quite lucky to have him because he's a very good player. He could play a lot higher than League Two but it's important for his development that Manchester United have allowed us to have him. The deal was just for a month and we haven't enquired because, firstly, he's their player and we're thankful we've got him for a month. He could have gone to a lot of places, but he chose to come to us. We're delighted to have him and we'll see from here. The main thing is that he's developing as a player. I think they've got a plan for him and he's their player. If they wanted to extend it, then we definitely would." Ajose's class was showcased perfectly by his finish for the Shakers' third, as he raced on to a mistake from Dean Winnward before calmly checking inside the defender once again and firing his shot past Ian Dunbavin. That put the icing on the cake, which might well have been taken home by Ryan Lowe, who could barely fit through the doors to the Gigg Lane car park for all the accolades he was carrying. Lowe's two first-half strikes took him past a century of career league goals, and while the hat-trick eluded him, he at least had the consolation of banking a player-of-the-month award and a new two-year contract. The Scouse hitman now stands on nine goals for the season after punishing an early mistake by Phil Edwards, and finishing off an excellent move down the right involving David Worrall and Phil Picken just before the break. Thanks to Ajose's second-half effort, Bury were already well out of sight before Accrington lost the plot late on, seeing skipper Andy Proctor sent off for an elbow on Damien Mozika and Johnny Bateson follow him down the tunnel for a late lunge on substitute Kyle Bennett. Bury: Belford 7; Picken 7, Lees 6, Sodje 7, Skarz 6, Jones 6 (Haworth 6, 69), Schumacher 7, Mozika 6, Worrall 6 (Bennett 69), Ajose 8, Lowe 8. Subs not used: Futcher, Sweeney, John-Lewis, Branagan, Harrop. Accrington Stanley: Dunbavin 7, Bateson 6, Hessey 5, Edwards 5, Winnard 5, Proctor 6, Barnett 6, Ryan 7, Parkinson 6 (Lindfield 6, 53), McConville 6 (Turner 6, 46), Gornell 7. Subs not used: Cisak, Richardson, Joyce, Boulding. Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne and Wear). Attendance: 4,164. (Report by Marc Iles on www.burytimes.co.uk)And last weekend it was Torquay United 3 Bury 4, report and highlights here:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9075309.stmPREVIOUSLYAt Bury (16)At Southend Utd. (16)ResultsTotal%ResultsTotal%Bury637.50Southend Utd.850.00Southend Utd.637.50Bury318.75Draws425.00Draws531.25GoalsTotalAv.pgGoalsTotalAv.pgBury241.50Southend Utd.150.94Southend Utd.191.19Bury140.88On Neutral Ground (0)Overall (32 matches)ResultsTotal%ResultsTotal%Bury00.00Bury928.13Southend Utd.00.00Southend Utd.1443.75Draws00.00Draws928.13GoalsTotalAv.pgGoalsTotalAv.pgBury00.00Bury381.19Southend Utd.00.00Southend Utd.341.06RecordsHighest Aggregate6Southend Utd. 3 - 3Bury1984/1985 Highest Bury score:4Southend Utd. 0 - 4Bury1959/1960 Highest Southend Utd. score:3Bury 1 - 3Southend Utd.2002/2003 SeasonDateHomeScoreAwayCompetition 2004/2005Sat 26 FebSouthend Utd.1 - 0BuryLeague Two Sat 11 DecBury0 - 1Southend Utd.League Two 2003/2004Tue 24 FebBury1 - 1Southend Utd.League Division Three Sat 30 AugSouthend Utd.1 - 0BuryLeague Division Three 2002/2003Sat 26 AprSouthend Utd.1 - 2BuryLeague Division Three Sat 05 OctBury1 - 3Southend Utd.League Division Three 1990/1991Sat 04 MayBury0 - 1Southend Utd.Third Division Sat 27 OctSouthend Utd.2 - 1BuryThird Division 1988/1989Tue 28 FebSouthend Utd.1 - 1BuryThird Division Tue 25 OctBury3 - 1Southend Utd.Third Division 1987/1988Sat 20 FebSouthend Utd.1 - 0BuryThird Division Sat 15 AugBury2 - 2Southend Utd.Third Division 1984/1985Sat 23 MarSouthend Utd.3 - 3BuryFourth Division Sat 06 OctBury2 - 0Southend Utd.Fourth Division 1980/1981Sat 15 NovSouthend Utd.1 - 0BuryFourth Division Sat 16 AugBury1 - 2Southend Utd.Fourth Division 1979/1980Fri 14 MarSouthend Utd.0 - 0BuryThird Division Sat 06 OctBury1 - 1Southend Utd.Third Division 1978/1979Sat 24 MarSouthend Utd.0 - 0BuryThird Division Tue 22 AugBury3 - 3Southend Utd.Third Division 1975/1976Sat 13 MarSouthend Utd.2 - 0BuryThird Division Sat 11 OctBury1 - 0Southend Utd.Third Division 1974/1975Mon 21 AprSouthend Utd.1 - 0BuryThird Division Sat 24 AugBury0 - 1Southend Utd.Third Division 1971/1972Sat 18 DecBury2 - 0Southend Utd.Fourth Division Sat 04 SepSouthend Utd.0 - 0BuryFourth Division 1960/1961Tue 21 MarBury2 - 0Southend Utd.Third Division Sat 20 AugSouthend Utd.0 - 3BuryThird Division 1959/1960Sat 02 JanBury3 - 0Southend Utd.Third Division Sat 29 AugSouthend Utd.0 - 4BuryThird Division 1958/1959Sat 31 JanSouthend Utd.1 - 0BuryThird Division Sat 13 SepBury2 - 3Southend Utd.Third Division GROUNDThe ground was completely re-built in the 1990's with the last 'new' stand, the Cemetery End, completed in 1999. The new stands have vastly improved the overall look of the ground, whilst at the same time making it an all seated one. The Manchester Road End is a fair sized stand that is covered and has an electric scoreboard; however it does not run the full width of the pitch, one side ending with the edge of the penalty box. Apparently the scoreboard was bought from Leicester's old Filbert Street ground. The other end, the Cemetery End, is a former terrace that has been demolished and replaced with a relatively new all seater stand. This stand extends around one corner to the South Stand and looks quite smart. There is a small police control box suspended beneath the roof in this corner of it. On one side is the Main Stand, with raised seating meaning that supporters have to climb a small set of steps to enter it. Part of the front has a small box like structure, with a number of windows running along the front. Opposite is the South Stand, similar in design to the ends with a TV gantry suspended below its roof. The one open corner of the ground has a small block of flats situated behind it, but the rest of the ground has a number of trees visible behind and above the stands, making the ground more attractive.'Le Stade de Gigg' as the locals call it, is now shared with FC United of Manchester, which is why the club's home 4th round qualifying with Barrow will be played Sunday.After another spell of being housed in the Cemetery End, away supporters now find themselves back in the Manchester Road End (aka Bridge Group West Stand). Just over 2,000 away supporters can be accommodated in this area, where you will normally enjoy a good view of the action. However, there is a row of supporting pillars about a third of the way up the stand, which could cause problems if your team has a large following. (So we should be OK at the weekend!) The stand is also situated quite well back from the pitch and is slightly below pitch level. The catering is quite good, with a range of food. The only grumble was the archaic toilets in a relatively new stand. On the whole, however, it was a relaxed and normally a good day out, although sometimes lacking in atmosphere.(Ground information supplied by www.footballgroundguide.com)TICKETSIt's pay on the day, prices here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw9/bury_tickets_570915/index.shtmlWEATHERCold at 8c's and heavy rain showers forecast, now this is footy weather!REF The man in the middle is Mark Brown from East Yorkshire. An interview with him here: www.refworld.com/referee/2222/1/mark-brownHis assistants are Ross Joyce & Anthony Tankard; The 4th official is Richard Bartlett. FIXTURESLeague TwoSaturday, October 23rd; (all kick-offs 15.00): Barnet v Macclesfield, Burton Albion v Bradford, Bury v Southend, Cheltenham v Port Vale, Chesterfield v Shrewsbury, Crewe v Aldershot, Gillingham v Torquay, Hereford v Accrington Stanley, Lincoln City v Stockport, Morecambe v Stevenage, Oxford Utd v Northampton, Rotherham v Wycombe.BETBury (to win) - 18/19, Draw - 13/5, Southend (to win) - 10/3. For all the footy odds go here: www.oddschecker.com/football/english/league-two/TRANSPORTBy Train go here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw5/bury_town_fc_549727/index.shtml By Car go here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw7/bury_football_club_570922/index.shtmlBy Coach go here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw3/bury_football_club_570917/index.shtmlPUB AND PIESFor the best drinking around the ground and in the town go here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw8/bury_the_swan_in_the_cemetery_pub_crawl_in_bury_570921/index.shtml For an overnight stay: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw1/bury_football_club_570919/index.shtmlHISTORY The Bury team pictured in 1892The club was formed in 1885 following a meeting at the Swan and Cemetery Hotel, between the Bury Wesleyans and Bury Unitarians Football Clubs. Gigg Lane's first ever game took place on 12 September 1885 when Bury played a friendly match against Wigan, and won 4-3.In 1887 the first shed was built at Gigg Lane at a cost of £50 (although this debt was written off and never paid for), also in the same year Bury recorded their record defeat, 0-10 v. Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup's 1st Round.Bury's first ever floodlit game took place on 5 November 1889, when a crowd of 7,000 saw Bury defeated 4-5 by Heywood Central. In 1892 Bury were Lancashire Challenge Cup Winners, before joining the Football League Second Division in 1894, which they won at the first attempt, being undefeated at home all year, and beating Liverpool in a play-off at Stoke, to go up to the First Division. They beat Liverpool in a play-off to clinch promotion to Football League Division One. They stayed there until 1912. Bury's membership of the Football League from 1894 is now the 3rd longest ongoing run (after founders Preston North End and Notts County).On 21 April, 1900 they beat Southampton 4-0 at Crystal Palace, and before returning to the London venue in 1903. The second win was achieved without conceding a goal in the entire competition, including a record FA Cup Final score of 6-0 over Derby County on 18 April, which remains the highest ever victory in an FA Cup Final.In 1906 the South Stand was built at Gigg Lane. And by 1922, the ground was finally handed over to the club from the Earl of Derby as a gift. In 1924 the Main Stand was built, during this period Bury's ground was one of the best in the Football League.Jumping into the next century, on 4 February 2008 Bury appointed Alan Knill as manager. Having made more than 150 appearances he went on to coach the side from next to bottom to 13th position in the 2007-08 Season. Having defied the critics in his 1st season he led Bury to 4th place where they missed out on goal difference by one goal leaving them in the playoffs. In the 2008/09 playoffs Bury lost out to Shrewsbury Town despite leading the tie with two minutes of normal time remaining. In the first leg, Bury won 1 -0 away from home thanks to a late Neil Ashton own goal. At Gigg Lane in the second leg, Phil Jevons had the chance to put the game away but missed a penalty. A goal meant that the game went to extra time where Bury saw many chances saved by keeper Luke Daniels. Bury lost on penalties as top scorer Andy Bishop and substitute Danny Racchi both had their penalties saved by Daniels. In Knill's second full season in charge (2009-10) it seemed promotion may have been a real possibility at one stage in the season. By February, Bury were sitting comfortably near the top of the table, but unfortunately for the Shakers their second push for promotion didn't clinch glory as a poor run of form late on in the season meant they would have to settle for 9th position.(For a more comprehensive history of the club, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bury_F.C. )

Source: FOOTYMAD