A beautiful playing surface and morning welcomed Bury Town to Gandish Road ‘ The Dish’ stadium for this much anticipated fixture. Due to covid restrictions only 23,478 tickets were available however these were quickly snapped up and sold out within minutes of going on general release during the week.

The last time we met ended in disappointment for EB and unfortunately it was the semi-final of the league cup pre covid and pre 9v9 format back on 7th March 2020. Just over a year on it was going to be interesting to see how both teams had progressed, developed and taken to 9v9. Both teams taking on additional players into their respective squads.

The game kicked off to a massive roar from the Bergholt Ultras, glad to be back watching a game they love but ultimately just being able to get out of the house. Bury starting with the ball, testing and probing the solid EB defensive unit of WE, MC, JB, JC & HS. Organisation, communication and effort closing all options whilst passing and moving the ball ( just like they do at structured and planned training sessions !! ) away from danger and into the oppositions half. Midfield trio of GH, JP & HF working up and down the pitch, supporting both defence and one main attacking machine WH.

A through ball latched onto by WH down the right got us on the front foot, strength and composure shown before delightfully crossing the ball to the far stick, where it was met by lightning quick HF. HF was passed fit to play by club sports doctor which was great news for the home crowd, after concerns he may have injured himself before the game when he kindly offered to carry the linesman flags across to the technical area for the coaches !. Tails up and you could see the confidence grow within the team, sometimes something words will never do.

More composed defending with JB & JC working together really well centrally in front of a talented and confident WE between the posts. MC & HS moving the ball well in wider positions, shuffling across when needed to help the team and cover danger areas, providing the support and ammunition to wider midfielders HF & GH, who used their pace to create havoc down the flanks. JP using the ball sensibly and wisely, trying to pull the strings and dictate the game centrally and linking teammates.

A decent and telling GH corner initially fell to an advancing JP however his shot bamboozled everyone and fell to WH further away from the goal. First time strike sent goal bound which proved too hot to handle and eventually ending just inside the post. Chances at both ends, Bury smashing a powerful shot against the home crossbar following pressure from corners which EB sometimes failed to clear. WE called into action and responding as we know he can.

There was some really good football on show for the crowd and it definitely wasn’t just one way traffic. A brilliant event to showcase U11’s grassroots football.

Halftime, changes made and out for another 30 minutes of excitement on ‘the dish’ carpet.

The game started just like the first half with both teams playing good entertaining football before JP rifled in an unstoppable left footer from outside the box. Bury definitely weren’t buried and gave as good as they got, not giving up and started taking the game to EB. Pressure building, EB struggling again to clear danger areas sufficiently soon resulted in an unfortunate OG and you had to wonder if the tide was going to turn?!

Bury, pushing on, ruthless in the pursuit of another. Corners being swung in, action and kerfuffles in the box, close efforts, superb blocks by defenders. MC, BC.JC & KY all holding steady and true before Bury finally took advantage again. A test of character and resilience was now in play for EB.

Midfielders GH, JP & LB all looking to use the ball well however sometimes big gaps arose leaving Bury to keep the pressure up. When the ball was delivered well and into space WH work tirelessly for the team, decisions whether to hold and wait for support or be brave and attack were constant and good one’s were being made, taking pressure and the ball away from our end of the pitch. A few lays off to supporting midfielders enabled us to push back and towards the Bury goal. Both teams having a go…a dubious VAR offside decision denying LB and clear path to the goal, a desperate handball call and an absolutely stunning save from WH to deny Bury from a freekick, before a little trip on a surging JP run at the other end resulted in a penalty for the home side.

Penalty duly dispatched and thumped home by JP seemed to calm the nerves of EB. Game management and with confidence growing saw the game end to thunderous applause from all attending supporters.

Claps being the new handshake, locating two balls smashed into the hedgerow on a bright sunny morning and a cracking game. What more do people need in their life’s ?

The future is bright, the future is Green

#Greenarmy #notbadforalittlevillageteam