Bury exit FA Cup against Stalybridge Celtic

Bury FC 0 - 2 Stalybridge Celtic

Bury suffered their first home defeat in more than a year as they exited the FA Cup, beaten 2-0 by Stalybridge Celtic in a Preliminary Round replay. 

Author | Adam Devlin

Stadium | Gigg Lane

The result highlighted the gulf in standards the Shakers will need to reach if they are to achieve success this season.

A closer look at what happened

Bury made several changes to their line-up and shape from the drawn match, but the alterations failed to have the desired effect. Much of the first half was spent desperately defending, with Callum Spooner losing possession and forcing Aiden Walker into a crucial block to deny Liam Tongue. A subsequent Celtic free-kick demanded a remarkable double save from Mitch Allen to keep the visitors at bay.

When Jack Byrne met a long throw with a looping header, only Allen’s full-stretch effort prevented the ball from finding the net.

Bury offered little in response. Kai Evans released DJ Pedro, whose effort was well saved by Celtic keeper Charlie Monks, though play had already been stopped for offside.

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It took until the half-hour mark for Bury to begin asserting themselves. Pedro’s throw found Isherwood, whose header was hooked away before it could reach the bottom corner, while Pedro himself forced another good save after Walker’s header was returned into the penalty area. Evans then attempted a long-range strike, which Monks initially spilled before securing it on the second attempt.

Just as it seemed the Shakers might find a foothold, the away side took a deserved lead. Ruben Jerome, returning to Gigg Lane for the first time since his summer move, flicked an overhead kick past Allen to score in the closing moments of the first half.

Half-time subs

Bury manager responded decisively with a quadruple substitution at the interval, switching to a 4-2-4 formation and adopting a more attacking approach. Rustam Stepans spearheaded the renewed offensive, his drive down the left producing a dangerous cross that flashed across Monks’ goal. Sub Kieran Glynn also delivered a cross to Pedro, which was cleared for a corner.

Despite building pressure, Bury struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Aaron Chalmers headed over from a corner that Celtic had failed to clear, but chances remained scarce.

The night turned further against Bury when a late penalty was awarded to Stalybridge for a challenge that appeared marginal. Aiden Walker seemed to have won the ball cleanly, but the referee pointed to the spot and issued a second yellow card. Allen redeemed the moment by saving the spot kick.

Stalybridge ultimately secured the win when Benni Smales-Braithwaite exploited a gap in Bury’s defence, and after Allen initially denied him, followed up to convert the rebound. The victory sent the visitors into the next round.

Bury now face a quick return to action, with a third meeting between the two sides scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday.