Bury B 0-1 Hesketh Casuals B

Michael Lloyd defied doctor’s orders and scored the only goal in this close encounter with Bury B to book Hesketh Casuals B place in the next round. Following the disappointing defeat last week, Cassies needed to regain confidence and a solid display here was just what the doctor ordered.

Even though numbers are still thin on the ground, Casuals worked hard and produced some beautiful football and were unlucky not to score more after strike trio Fellowes, Walker and Grice each had goals disallowed. Steve Aspin made his debut in centre midfield and dictated the play with great support from Lloyd and Parr.

The game was pretty much even until the 20 minute mark when the home side were stretched by the attacking threat of Cassies. The deadlock was broken was Justin Parr fed the ball though and Lloyd found himself clear with the keeper ready to snap up the ball. Michael Lloyd Hasselbaink showed his attacking prowess as he beat the keeper to the ball and calmly slid it into the far corner, to score what turned out to be the winner.

Meanwhile, at the other end the whole defence of Hames, Tomlinson, Forshaw and MacGregor kept the Bury ‘B’ attack at bay and their only chance was saved by keeper Paul Hames. MacGregor was unlucky not to grab a second for the visitors after his original shot was turned over the bar, his second attempt crashed into the crossbar.

The focus returns to the league on Saturday with Bolton Wyresdale visiting Preston New Road, as Casuals aim to register their first points of the season.

Man of the match: Dave Tomlinson.