Gigg pain for derby-day fans

Photo: Pictures by ALAN HOWARTH

SHOOTING STAR . . . Robbie Simpson fires a speculative attempt from wide on the right..

Bury 0, Athletic 0

Bore draw rounds off Latics’ away campaign

THE fact that Athletic supporters' fancy dress outfits were the most eye-catching feature at Gigg Lane tells you everything you need to know about this thoroughly-drab affair.

'Local derby' conjures up images of fast and furious encounters, lung-busting runs, no-nonsense tackling and above all, passion.

While no one can accuse these players of not trying, there was an obvious reluctance in the Athletic ranks to take a risk, probably a symptom of their poor run of form.

The Shakers adopted the same safety-first attitude and the outcome was a dull-as-dishwater display.

The game was an extra-light serving of misplaced passes and half-baked ideas.

Athletic skipper Dean Furman kept things ticking along. but the best opportunity the away outfit carved out in the whole contest was wasted.

Marsh-Brown’s shot from 14 yards, after good work from Simpson, is still coming down and when it eventually returns to earth it will be coated in snow.

Hopes were raised that we were in for a brighter second period, but it proved to be a false dawn as the match reverted to type.

As bad as it was, at least Athletic can say they had the lion's share of possession – the Bury players must have felt at least a twinge of guilt when they did a lap of honour after the full-time whistle.

The biggest talking point arrived 11 minutes into the second half as midfield man Youssouf Mchangama went down in a crumpled heap on the edge of his own penalty area following an off-the-ball collision.

The Comoros Islands international was out cold on the deck and there was genuine panic when physios from both clubs were followed on to the pitch by Dickov.

Seven minutes passed as Mchangama was delicately lifted on to a stretcher and put in a neck brace.

The main positive for Athletic was their defence. They dealt with everything that came their way, looked like a unit and Reece Brown added a touch of class and composure.

A sense of relief greeted the full-time whistle./.

When these near neighbours meet next term, let's hope they've got something to play for.



The full version of this story is available in our print and eChron editions