Bury Men’s 1s 5-2 Keswick 2s

The first team returned to action on Saturday, with yet another James Oakes hat-trick inspiring the home side, as they fired five past Keswick.

With several key players missing, the home side went behind early on, despite starting brightly.

Keswick capitalised on a moment of hesitation in the Bury defence, as they fashioned an opportunity which was expertly finished into the bottom corner.

Bury, however, were playing some neat, intricate hockey and it wasn’t long before a good passage of play between Ben Cooper, Rob Bradburn and Luke Fidler played in Oakes, who fired in a first time reverse strike, past the stranded keeper.

With Bradburn, Fidler and Oakes instrumental in all Bury’s excellent attacking play, the home side were looking to take the lead before half time. Yet again, it was Oakes who was on hand, this time deftly deflecting in a short corner at the far post.

Despite leading at half time, and playing some good passing hockey, Bury found themselves pegged back early in the second half as Keswick pounced on a loose pass to create, and take, an opening to level the scores.

Bury responded well however, with Fidler’s close control and dribbling causing havoc and Bradburn’s vision and awareness helping to create chances for the home side.

This time it was Fidler who put Bury back into the lead, as he converted yet another short corner at the second attempt.

This was soon followed by Oakes grabbing two more goals to kill the game off, as he took his personal tally for the season to 31 goals in 13 games.

The win leaves Bury six points clear in second place in Division Four, but they face a tough game away at Formby on Saturday.