Bury 2-0 West Women

Bury 2-0 West Women - Sunday 22 March 2026

West XI: Pestell, Soñes Devally,  Mason, Blöchl, Wright, Simpson, Edmondson (C), Bracegirdle, Bancroft, Henderson, Bushell.

Subs (all used): Irving, Bagshaw, Ritchie, Higgins

West Women kicked off at Gigg Lane on Sunday with six fewer points than they had on the board since the last round of fixture due to the removal of Curzon Ashton from the Premier Division. With West's two victories over Curzon expunged from the record, Sunday's match at Bury was an important one in the search for a top-half finish. 

West were given a boost ahead of kick off, as Darcy Bancroft was given the all-clear to make her first start since picking up a serious injury away at Tranmere Rovers earlier in the season. 

West started well at Gigg Lane and had the better of the opening exchanges. Ava Bushell hit the crossbar inside ten minutes and West had the lion's share of possession against the team one place above them in the table. The hosts did get a foothold in the game as the half went on, and West had keeper Cara Pestell to thank for keeping it goalless for so long after a series of smart saves. The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute, however. West gave the ball away cheaply in the box and Pestell was left with no chance from close range. 

Bury started the second half well and another defensive mixup allowed the Shakers to double the lead just before the hour mark. Pestell again performed heroics in the West goal by tipping a close range volley onto the cross bar, but West struggled to get out against opponents who grew in confidence as the match went on. 

West were also temporarily reduced to ten players when Rachel Mason was sent to the sin bin at 2-0. West had little to offer going forward in the final stages, and the hosts comfortably saw out the game to leave West languishing in 7th at the close of play.

West welcome league leaders AFC Fylde to Brookburn Road next Sunday in our penultimate home game of the season. Fylde need just one point to claim the title in M21 and your support will be needed to give us a chance to spoil their party.

Report by Ollie Sargent, Photo by John Pidge