Bury stage rapid comeback with four goals in eleven minutes to beat Congleton

Anthony Johnson had his substitutes to thank as Bury turned a one goal deficit into a 4-1 lead in just eleven minutes. Luca Navarro and Lewis Rawsthorn both came off the bench to claim a brace each as Bury started their Easter weekend with a win.

Naming an unchanged starting XI and bench from the win over Runcorn Linnets the Shakers looked to build on their good form. The match however started badly.

Max McCarthy shooting on the turn from the edge of the box looped a shot that arched over Mitch Allen and into the far top corner to claim the lead for the Bears. The visitors ought to have scored more in the opening minutes, Matty Lay’s cross from the left was so nearly met by McCarthy. Jack Bates headed a free kick goalwards that Allen saved well but the Bury defence struggled to clear.

It took a while for the hosts to make an impact on the match. Louis White had a free kick but shot straight at the Congleton keeper while a Jordan Lazenbury header was cleared away.

Though the Shakers held much of the possession the Bears defence held firm and with the lead they proved difficult to break down. A Bebeto Gomes cross was fired wide by an under pressure Lazenbury while Rustam Stepans saw his shot to the near post tipped over by Dave Parton in the Bears goal. Bury needed to find an equaliser before the break but the closest they came was Mo Touray latching onto a long ball by Gomes, Parton saved the one on one opportunity.

Coming out for the second half with some gusto Bury pushed hard for an equaliser. Jonno turned to his bench to find the answer and four attacking players were brought on. While they practically camped in the Congleton box the Shakers still couldn’t find a way through. A Connor Pye cross was cut out and a free Lewis Rawsthorn header from a corner was put into the ground before bouncing just over the bar. It felt as though whatever fortune the Shakers could usually conjure had all but abandoned them.

Turning to the last remaining replacement Luca Navarro was brought on. With his first touch he equalised. Meeting a Kai Evans cross at the near post he flicked a quick first time effort past Parton to grab the equaliser and send a wave of relief across Gigg Lane. Navarro’s first Bury goal was quickly followed by his second. Stepans from the right sent in a cross and with so many Bury bodies in the area someone was bound to be free. Navarro rose unchallenged to head Bury into the lead turning the match on its head.

The turnaround was instant. With Congleton finally breached Bury overran them. Rawsthorn pouncing on a botched clearance - the lucky break which Bury players and fans alike had been begging for all game - allowed him to slide in to put the home side into a 3-1 lead. Two minutes later Rawsthorn was on hand again to head home a Robinson corner to complete the comeback and send the home crowd wild.

There could have been more goals. A long range Neild shot had to be saved by Parton while Navarro volleyed over the bar from close range and Rawsthorn had a header saved as the two substitutes both chased a hat-trick.

The result however is what will please Bury the most. The three points won on Good Friday extends their lead at the top to five, if only for a day, as the end of the season creeps ever closer.