Bury FC start with pre-season friendly victory at Thackley

After the amalgamation with Bury AFC, it was the first time a Shakers side under the club’s original name had played since 2019.

And it ended in victory for Andy Welsh’s new-look side in front of 831 fans in West Yorkshire.

A host of new signings began the game at Dennyfield and the deadlock was almost broken on 28 minutes when a great effort from Lewis Gilboy from 20 yards was well-saved by the Thackley goalkeeper.

Seven minutes later, good work down the right from Darius Palma saw his effort blocked by the defender.

The visitors did find a breakthrough four minutes before half time through Gilboy who fired home into the roof of the net from Palma’s assist.

Welsh made XI changes to his team at the break and just after the hour mark, Benito Lowe looked to get his first goal in a Bury shirt but his solo run was thwarted by the keeper.

Into the last 10 minutes, the Shakers were heading for victory and that was confirmed seven minutes from the end. when Saj Elhassan doubled their lead.

A great ball came in to Lowe and he squared it for Elhassan to slot home.

And just four minutes later, it was 3-0 when Elhassan bagged a second in five minutes.

Connor Comber fed him and he slotted home calmly to seal a first friendly triumph for Welsh and his side.

Bury head to Hyde United for their next outing tomorrow night (7.45pm) before a highly-anticipated return to Gigg Lane next weekend with a home double header against Bradford (Saturday, 3pm) and Preston (Sunday, 3pm) - both matches now being all ticket.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed Bury will compete in both the FA Vase and FA Cup next season.

Starting XI: Jack Atkinson, Matty Williams, Gaz Peet, Chris Rowney, trialist, Carl Dickinson, Lewis Gilboy, Anton Smith, Sam Uwnin, Andy Kellett, Darius Palma.

Second-half XI: Jack Hewitt-Hill, trialist A, Jack Tinning, Dan Lafferty, Sean Higgins, trialist B, Kris Holt, Saj Elhassan, Jack Lenehan, Benito Lowe, Connor Comber.

Attendance: 831.