First 15 minutes saw Bury have much of the possession and Richard Hope had already been skinned twice before Seddon did him again to hit a crisp shot across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. For about 10 seconds, you could just feel everyone around you sink into their boots and the fat lady was about to break into something from Verdi's Requiem.

What happened next was amazing and is something that I've not witnessed with such intensity before. The back of the Pop Stand rose as one led by the baritones of Harrogate Minstermen and backed superbly by a chorus of assorted forum members. This worked as catalyst because then the Longhurst got in on the act and we now had an atmosphere inside BC that, given the situation, shows what amazing fans City really have.

However the question was could the players match the supporters efforts? The answer came back as affirmative to the tune of Jon Newby who chased a hopeful through ball. He controlled it, beat a player before taking a shot (perhaps a cross). Newby was in perfect harmony with his striking partner as the ball fell at the feet of Liam George who slotted the ball home.

Suddenly the ground erupted and what a crescendo, it could have been 30,000 not 3,000 as everyone (including dull old me) started getting into the groove and the City team suddenly looked like the York which won 4 on the trot and headed the Division. Wave after wave of City attacks bore down on the Bury goal but credit (and a lot of good luck) they survived to half-time. City went in to a standing ovation and with the crowd in euphoric mood.

Sadly half-time was spoilt by the employees of Showsec and by the inaction of a witless Police Officer (probably the same plod who thinks my car was causing an obstruction). During the latter part of the first half, I noticed a youngish looking lad around being led away by two gorillas and he didn't seem best pleased. Certainly didn't see any sign of trouble so I decided to investigate at half-time. It turns out that they picked on this lad because he was simply standing up and was the smallest. What's more troubling is that I discover that a Showsec steward had threatened the previous week to "take him out into the car park and do him over." This is quite clearly "threatening behaviour" and an arrestable offence but the Police Officer was more concerned in getting people to sit down. Utterly disgraceful and it takes the presence of Steve Beck to calm things down.

Back to match and it's anybody's game as both teams look capable of breaking clear but some poor control for Bury and incredible blocks keep the score at 1-1. Highlights of City's attacking included Edmo cutting in to release a curling left footer which amazingly the goalie just managed to push over. City apply even more pressure but again Bury just seem to have that bit of luck until a strike by Brass has goal written all over it. Garner in the Bury goal is some keeper because the ball looked to have passed him before he even moved but yet he still pulls off the save.

At the back, Stuart Wise was head and shoulders above his central defensive colleagues and his late injury could be a worry with the home match on Saturday. Typical I suppose because I wouldn't have had him in a quiz team before tonight but when he produces a display like that, you wonder why he hasn't done it before. Still that can't detract from a excellent performance.

Upfront Newby's willingness run for almost hopeless balls was sort of stuff fans desire and he deserved a goal tonight. To be fair the balls were not bad but Newby covers twice as much as Nogan and we suddenly become a threat. We all know what Liam George is capable of but lack of form and then his injury has cost City dear. Thank God he is back because he is one person who can make a difference on a field. I was pleased how he came to the Longhurst and acknowledged the crowds efforts and they responded likewise.

As others have said it could have gone either way but perhaps a draw is a fair result. Bury were through on a number of occasions but some brave keeping, last ditch defending and poor control helped City's cause.

Refs in recent weeks have a got a lot of slagging off and this was the same chap who did the Lincoln match. Didn't rate him much then but he certainly had a good all round game today. Bit frustrated he wasn't a bit tougher on time wasting and others said post match in the social that they found that aspect frustrating.

Ovendale 8 - Best display in a very long time. Safe as houses on crosses and quite brave on a couple of 2nd half blocks.
Edmondson 8.5 - Also the best display I've seen from Edmo for some time.
Wise 8.5 - Like an absolute rock in the first half. Had he played like the other two central defenders, we could have been 3 down before half-time. Without doubt the best match I have seen him play in a York City shirt but he must learn that he needs to perform to this level every week. If he does then I'll be converted and standing ovation he received when limping off was richly deserved.
Smith 6 - Awful first half and didn't seem switched on. Must have got a good talking to at half-time as noticeably brighter
Hope 6 - Bit of shocker for around 70 minutes but made some important blocks in last 20 minutes.
Wood 7 - Bit lightweight but added skill rather than bite to midfield. Managed to get in the way of a goal bound shot but looked better as match progressed.
Brass 8 - Very industrious and with Wood adding the guile, our midfield had a nice balance. Really ran his socks off and after this performance we'll forgive you for turning up to the HM meeting without combing your hair.
Dunning 8 - Identical to Brassy but with an inch more skill.
Newby 9 - Fantastic effort to run as hard as he did for the complete 90 minutes. The ball over the top works if you have someone with his pace and it was his hard work that setup the goal for George
Nogan 7.5 - Noticeably not so prominent as both George and Newby but still made a significant contribution. Perhaps 7.5 is a bit unfair but he never said "Hello" to me at Tesco so there !!
George 9 - Scored the goal and I am sure that is just the start of a fruitful little period coming up for Liam. He made the difference with that bit of extra skill combined with pace that had Bury in so much trouble. However the best bit about Liam is that he's also a team player which is something I noticed in reserves. His attitude is top class on the field and is not your usual lazy flair player.

Subs:
Ward - Did a good job while on but not long enough to award a mark.

Verdict
5 more displays like that and we will be safe.

Report by Tim Wills

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