Unbeaten Premier Division pace-setters Bury GSOB sneaked a 1-0 win in Saturday’s visit of Prestwich as Craig Howarth’s men dominated after the break but couldn’t find a way through to goal.
Former PFC Sunday team forward Chris Crookes made the trip up from Leicester to help out the depleted first team while ex-Blackpool academy player Craig Daniels was joined on the bench by recent signing Sam Holden.
A fairly even first half saw Prestwich try their luck first as Ashley Hoolighan’s 9th minute effort was well saved by the Bury ‘keeper.
On the quarter hour, a diving header from an Old Boy’s striker sailed past Alex Blake’s post but just moments later the home side edged in to the lead.
A Bury free-kick on the edge of the ‘D’ was deflected back out to the taker who superbly volleyed the ball in to the top corner leaving Blake no chance.
Darren Buckley had to be alert shortly after to head clear from under his own crossbar as Bury looked to double their advantage.
But Lee Bushell’s corner just before the break, which fashioned a volleyed chance for Buckley at the other end, gave Prestwich hope for a turn of fortunes in the second half.
However, despite large periods of possession, the visitors struggled to create any clear-cut chances as the Bury defence soaked up the pressure.
A scramble in the six yard box was hacked clear before Paul Taylor defied his advancing years to acrobatically send an overhead kick wide of the goal.
That was about as close as Prestwich came as Bury’s joy at the final whistle illustrated just how tight this game was.
PRESTWICH: Blake, Buckley, Bushell, Morley (O’Donnell), Steadman, Taylor, Hill, Walsh, Hoolighan, Crookes, Smith (Daniels)
• Prestwich Resverves overcame Division One’s Rochdale St Clements Reserves 2-1 in their second team cup match. Jordan Clegg and Mike Seers scored for Liam Morrissey’s team.
• Prestwich A had no fixture this weekend while the Sunday team’s match against The Ostrich was called off after a 9am pitch inspection.
• Prestwich are at home to Rossendale Amateurs this Saturday while the Reserves are away at Dobbies. The A Team entertain Ashtonians Reserves at Drinkwater Park. All kick-off’s are 2:30pm.
