Forever Bury 6 Raging Fever 3

Raging Fever made the long trip up North to find that the already impressive Bury outfit has got even younger and more organised since our last meeting, and a spirited, battling performance from the Oxford fans could not prevent another hatful of goals from being conceded on a muddy pitch at Goshen Park, a mile or so from Gigg Lane.

The game started in familiar fashion, and only a string of fine saves from Danny Wells in the Fever goal prevented Bury taking an early lead. However, as the first half continued, Oxford grew in confidence and exerted some serious pressure on the home defence, resulting in a string of corners. From one, Gez Foster rose well only to see his goal-bound header blocked; another was half cleared to Pat Wehmeier, whose spectacular dipping volley only just cleared the bar; eventually Steve Gilbert got one to swing right into the goal, where it got stuck in Gary Silver?s feet on the line before bobbling over it off the back of his calf.

The lead was well deserved and held for a while, but the Shakers turned the game with three quick goals before half time. Two were very sharp turn-and-shots from just inside the area, and Gary Butler tried in vain to clear the third from off the line with Wells well beaten.

RF recovered their composure at the break, and threatened to cut the Bury lead with efforts from John Matthews, Foster and Silver alas not finding the net. However, this good work was undone when a ball was played over the top of the Oxford defence, and Andy Hill?s blatant push of desperation brought a whistle for a penalty before the ball crossed the line, and the goal was allowed to stand for reasons of decency and fairness.

The referee had already turned down one penalty appeal for handball against Bury when he gave another, which Silver converted to bring Oxford back into the game, but this spurred the home team into action, and two further goals put the game beyond the Fever?s reach. Only a goal-line clearance from Geoff Carter and another cynical foul from Hill prevented further damage to the goals against column before Gary Silver?s strong run into the box was unfairly brought to an end, and he converted his second spot kick of the morning for an unlikely hat-trick.

To their credit, Fever?s eleven men never gave up on an extremely heavy pitch, and went on to enjoy their hosts? hospitality in the Bury FC Social Club afterwards.

RF squad ? Danny Wells, Andy Hill, Gary Butler, Geoff Carter, Pat Wehmeier, Mark Howland, Gez Foster, Jon Brown, Steve Gilbert, John Mathews, Gary Silver.

Goals ? Gary Silver 3 (2 pens)