By George Vale

WITHAM TOWN 2 BURY TOWN 4

Ryman League Cup third round

WITHAM gave some of their fringe players a run out for this game and they gave the cup holders from the premier division a fright.

However, two late goals ended their chances of causing an upset.

Bury dominated long periods of the first half as they were more skillful and faster than Witham, but could only score one goal after a spell of constant pressure on the home goal.

It came from Craig Parker in the 38th minute, with Witham’s best effort coming when Jason Fontaine hit the post.

Witham came more into the game after the break and started to attack the visitors’ goal, with an equaliser coming in the 63rd minute when Rob Whitnell headed in one of James Stevens’ tremendous free-kicks.

However, Bury were soon back in front as Sam Reed scored with a low shot from an acute angle.

Witham weren’t to put off, though, and then enjoyed a good spell.

They squandered a couple of good chances, but got back on level terms with a remarkable goal from their captain, Scott Pethers, who drilled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Witham went looking for a winner, but it was the visitors who got them, with two very late goals preventing a penalty shoot-out.

Lee Reed scored in the 88th minute, before visiting keeper Alex Rossis made a great save from Lewis Godbold and Bury wrapped it up with a Sam Reed strike well into time added-on.

Witham: Jason Baker, Scott Pethers, Seb Murfet, Rob Whitnell, Alex Finney, Paul White (Lewis Godbold), Danny Emmanuel, James Stevens, Shamir Mullins (Emeke Onwubiko), John Watson, Jason Fontaine. Subs not used: Sam Taylor, Tom Devaux. Man-of-the-match: James Stevens.