Greater Manchester Schools FA County Cup

BURY BOYS U-15...4

ROCHDALE BOYS U-15...3

BURY Boys booked a semi-final place in amazing fashion by scoring four goals in the last seven minutes of the game, to turn a three-goal deficit into an unbelievable victory.

Nothing happened in the previous 73 minutes to indicate such a dramatic turnaround although Bury were unlucky to be three behind on the run of the play. Slack marking after only six minutes gave Rochdale a simple chance to take the lead. For the rest of the first half, Bury gradually improved without creating many chances. Goal-keeper Ben Grindrod (Elton), playing his first game for Bury, coped well and at half time, the boys were still well in contention.

The second half started in disastrous fashion with Rochdale scoring twice in the first five minutes. Fortunately, heads didn't drop and the defence tightened up considerably, and an even game ensued until the 73rd minute when Tom Jackson (Woodhey), who was having his usual energetic game at left back, popped up by the post to slot the ball home. Instead of being a consolidation goal, it transformed the Bury Boys and transfixed the Rochdale lads.

Skipper Liam Franklin (Bury Church) burst into action and in three unforgettable minutes grabbed a wonderful bat-trick with three great finishes of similar fashion from close in, having danced through a statue-like defence. Three minutes his team-mates and manager will never forget.

After some disappointing results before Christmas, this was just the tonic the boys needed. The result means a home semi-final in March against Warrington or Wigan.