In a game of few clear cut chances, VCD Athletic and Bury Town played out a goalless draw.

Whilst there was no shortage of endeavour, the defences won out against attacks that struggled to create real openings.

Luke Read came close for Bury early on with a header from Noel Aitkens’ cross that Michael Gooch tipped over acrobatically.

Whilst the visitors tried to make the most of their height advantage from corners and long throws, Keith McMahon’s set up included wing backs and most of their danger came from attacks by Kojo Awotwi and Daniel McCullock.

Mitch Hahn was just wide with a first time effort from a low cross from the latter.

Rashid Kamara’s cheeky flick sent Awotwi away and he pulled back for Victor Zapata Caicedo but his shot on the turn was straight at Neil O’Sullivan who held on comfortably.

Ryan Jolland tried his luck for Bury but his free kick rolled harmlessly wide then Josh Mayhew had a shot blocked away for a corner by Jeffrey Imudia. Jolland’s delivery was met by Leon Ottley-Gooch but his header went wide of the far post.

Awotwi tried his luck for VCD but O’Sullivan saved before Bury finished the half strongly.

Ricardo Joseph stumbled over the ball allowing Joe Yaxley a shooting opportunity but his effort was weak and wide.

Aitkens headed over after making room for himself with a crafty push on McCullock before he crossed for Jolland who shot wide of the far post.

However the last chance of the half was a header wide by Zapata Caicedo from another McCullock cross.

Immediately after the interval, Oliver Fenn sent a looping header over then Gooch saved from Mayhew with nobody following up.

Hahn then had a shot saved comfortably by O’Sullivan before Aitkens shot wide.

Jolland then had a great chance for the team from Suffolk but he shot over when he should have done better.

Gooch again came to VCD’s rescue when tipping over Read’s header then Fenn sent a long free kick wide.

Substitute Taylor Bannister thought that he had won it for Bury late on but Gooch made his best save of the afternoon.

As the game entered the closing minutes, Awotwi went on a solo run but O’Sullivan was equal to his effort from a tight angle.

 

VCD Athletic: Gooch, McCullock (Byrne-Hewitt 76), Awotwi, Imudia, Kisitu, Joseph, Blackwood, Symons, Hahn, Kamara, Zapata Caicedo.

Subs not used: Dann, Grant, Sinclair, Guy.

 

Bury Town: O’Sullivan, De’ath, White, Fenn, Ottley-Gooch, Clements, Aitkens (McGavin 82), Reid, Yaxley (Bannister 76), Mayhew, Jolland.

Subs not used: Kennedy, Yallop.

 

VCD Athletic:

Goalscorers : None .

Yellow cards:.None

Red cards: None

 

Bury Town:

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

 

 

Referee: Matthew Russell

Assistants:.Alexander Bradley and Ronald Albert

 

Attendance: 86

 

VCD Athletic star player: Michael Gooch

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.