January comes to a close (we can’t believe it either), and we hope beyond hope that we can get a game on in what has felt like too long!
The Shakers last took to the field almost two weeks ago when we dispatched Litherland REMYCA (highlights below) and in doing so, keeping up with those at the top of the league in the process. Due to the weather playing havoc with fixtures across the league, there has not been much change since with Wythenshawe Town remaining top by a point, with Wythenshawe, Chadderton and Prestwich close behind.
Skelmersdale arrive in BL9 in a spot of bother at the foot of the division, but were the last side to take full points off Dave McNabb’s side back in November. During an out-of-sorts first half performance, the Shakers fell behind to a Mark Bollongino header just before half-time. A rejuvenated Bury side were just getting to grips with forcing a way back into the game at the start of the second half, when a mix-up at the back gifted the home side a two-goal lead. This was ultimately the tale of the game and despite Skem being reduced to 10-men, only a late Sam Burns’ consolation penalty was to show for the visiting sides efforts on the day.
The lads will be looking to put this right this weekend, and they need you there to do just that. Get behind the team by being ‘Part of It’ at Gigg Lane this weekend – get all your match information below!
In Opposition – Skelmersdale United
In its initial 75 years, Skelmersdale United emerged from the Skelmersdale Wesleyan Day School’s team, evolving through various name changes, finally settling as Skelmersdale United. Joining the Lancashire Combination in 1891, they navigated challenges, winning their first major trophy in 1908. Noteworthy figures like Tom Tinsley and a move to White Moss Park marked this era.
The club underwent a significant transformation in 1961 when Skelmersdale became a designated new town. Under Wesley Bridge’s management, the team restructured, achieving success in the FA Amateur Cup and entering the Northern Premier League in 1971. However, by 1976, United faced a decline, eventually finding themselves in the North West Counties League.
The club experienced highs and lows over subsequent years, including financial struggles and a temporary homelessness episode. Under Tommy Lawson’s management, Skelmersdale ascended to the Northern Premier League Premier Division in the 2012–2013 season, marking their highest position in non-league football. The following years brought both success and challenges, with notable events such as relegation in 2017.
Despite a rollercoaster journey, Skelmersdale United achieved promotion in the 2021/22 season under manager Paul McNally, only to face relegation in 2022/23 due to ground grading issues. In October 2023, former Premier League defender Pascal Chimbonda took on the role of manager, steering the club into a new chapter.
This season so far, the club sits at the foot of the table with just six wins from their 31 games. And with their win over landlords Burscough on Boxing Day declared null and void following an ineligable player being included in the team, they are nine points behind the Linnets in their quest to avoid relegation. However, there has been a bit of a renaissance since the turn of the year with two wins out of three.
Tickets & Admission
Prices*: £10 adult, £5 16-18, £3 Under 16s & Free for Under 5s.
1885 Suite: £40* per ticket
* plus booking fees
Pay on the Gate: Whilst encouraging supporters to buy online ahead of the game, turnstiles will be available to take cash & card payments.
Season Ticket Holders: We have recognised the requests from some season ticket holders who wish to be sat in the Main Stand, instead of the currently allocated South Stand. General sale tickets for the Main Stand are not available on Tuesday evening and the first 250 season ticket holders who wish to watch from the Main Stand, can do so by admission of the turnstile.
Please arrive early to secure your seat, with allocations made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here to purchase online tickets. Read here on how to access your tickets digitally.
Please follow requests from volunteers and stewards for directions if unsure.
On the Day & In the Ground
Travel: Gigg Lane is accessible by car and is well served by public transport, please see our page on the TfGM website, which advises the best travel routes to the stadium. Directions can be sourced via Google Maps below.
SatNav Postcode: BL9 9HR
WhatThreeWords: ///issues.skins.span
Parking: Our new car-park policy for the upcoming season is now in force.
Due to the limited space within the car park at Gigg Lane, it is reserved for the following:
- Team Playing Staff and Management
- Match and Competition Officials
- Club Staff and volunteers transporting matchday equipment
- Members of the 1885 Suite
- Sponsors
- Blue Badge Holders
If you have a blue badge or mobility issues please email the club secretary at secretary@buryfc.co.uk at least TWO days before the game. Blue Badge holders shall be prioritised for a parking space.
Entrance to the car park is strictly controlled and includes the areas within and in front of the fenced area. Please contact the Club Secretary with any other related queries.
There is on-street parking in the residential areas surrounding Gigg Lane, with supporters reminded to be respectful and considerate of the local residents at all times, as well as being mindful of and adhering to the parking permit measures in place in close proximity to the ground.
Stadium Entry: Gates will open at 1:30pm.
Our matchday volunteers will be on hand, both outside the turnstiles and inside the ground, to guide supporters to where they need to be. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask those who are there to help the day.
Matchday Programme: You can purchase a programme online now, to collect at the merchandise stall tomorrow afternoon or head to the sellers in and around the ground ahead of the game at the price of £3.
Pound for the Ground: Our ‘Pound for the Ground’ half-time raffle tickets will be on sale in and around the ground, £1 per entry. Sellers accept cash or card, with 40% of the total pot going to the winning ticket with results announced over the PA system and on the scoreboard.
Food / Drink: Our catering partner, Quirky Catering, will be operating the kiosks this weekend and throughout the season, and are accessible for supporters under the stands. A selection of hot and cold snacks will be available. Alcohol will be sold, and can be consumed anywhere in the stand. Please respect the advice from stewards on managing this process on the day.
Starkies: For those with tickets in the Main Stand, access to Starkies will be available from when the gates open, and throughout the game. The bar is limited to a set number and this will be managed by stewards through the day.
After the game, supporters from other areas of the ground can gain access to Starkies via the ground floor entrance in that corner of the ground – subject to the maximum capacity not being exceeded.
Keep #GiggGleaming: With so much work gone into Gigg Lane to get us to this point, we want to keep it that way and a lot of work goes into turning the ground around between games each weekend. We have a team of volunteers lined up to clean the stands following the game.
With this in mind, we urge all supporters to make sure any rubbish is processed in the correct manner, using the available bins where necessary, or if possible please take any rubbish away with you.
Designated Smoking Areas: Supporters are not allowed to smoke / vape anywhere within the stands at Gigg Lane. Designated areas are set aside to do this, follow guidance from stewards on this and only smoke / vape within these areas.
#NonLeagueDogs: For now, dogs are NOT permitted in the ground.
Match Coverage & Live Stream
If you are unable to make it to the action at Gigg Lane, we’ll have all the live coverage across our media platforms.
Live Stream: For this game, we will have no live stream. Keep up-to-date with all our video content via the club’s YouTube Channel. Click to subscribe and never miss highlights and match reaction across the season.
Audio Commentary: Roch Valley Radio will be providing commentary for this game. Join the team from the press box at Gigg Lane. Click here ahead of kick-off to listen live. Audio commentary will be provided for every game of the season, so you will never miss a piece of the action.
Social Media: Our team will also bring you in-depth text commentary via the club ‘MatchDay Live‘ Twitter feed, with team news and score-line updates available also on Facebook and feel like you are there with our match galleries and imagery available over on Instagram.
Whatever the weather, wherever you are across the globe, we have you covered.
Up the Shakers!
