The start of this first of eight pre-season friendlies is a big moment in the life of our new-look, fan-owned Bury FC. The amazing achievements of our 2024-25 season are now history, and the challenge is to do it all again.
Our squad is a good mix of established favourites who were with us at the end of last term and a handful of new lads who can’t wait to get started in a Bury shirt.
They all turned up for their first training session fit and raring to go, and have enjoyed the pre-season preparations – including the open training session during Saturday’s Family Day at Gigg Lane.
Manager Dave McNabb is looking to win all eight friendlies – a tall order, given some of the teams we’ll be up against. But we’re going for it, and need the fans to be part of it.
So please get behind the lads as we kick off the 2025-26 season at the Crilly Park.
In Opposition – Atherton LR
LR were NWCFL Division One North champions last season, so they take our place as we move up to the Northern Premier West Division.
Atherton’s title was part of a triple triumph which also included winning the Edward Case and First Division Champions Cup – quite a feat for the club and 25-year-old manager David Jones.
They also had a good run in the FA Vase and were the only northern club in the last 16, just three games away from Wembley.
The club was created in 1956 and it is 15 years since they last played in the NWCFL Premier Division.
Admission & Tickets
This fixture is pay on the gate only. Adults – £6.00, Concessions – £3.00, Under 16s – Free with a paying adult.
Travel & Parking
Nearest Railway: Atherton Station – approx. 8-minute walk (0.4 miles) from the ground.
Nearest Bus Route to Ground: Take the 582 bus between Bolton and Leigh. Alight near Atherton Train Station and follow the route along Upton Road, over the railway bridge. Turn left onto Springfield Road, then left onto Hillside Avenue – walk for approx. 300m to reach the stadium
Driving: Take the M61 to Junction 5. Follow signs for Westhoughton, turn left onto the A6. At the first set of lights, turn right onto Newbrook Road. Turn right onto Upton Road, passing Atherton Central Station. Finally, turn left onto Spa Road
Parking Facilities: There is a medium-sized car park located directly outside the main gates at Crilly Park. Additional street parking is available in the surrounding area. Please do not park in front of the stadium gates or at the bus stop, and ensure you are parking respectfully in residential areas – especially not blocking any driveways. If you need any assistance with parking or directions on matchday, Atherton LR’s friendly volunteers will be on hand to help.
Ground Facilities: Gates at the SafeGasUK Stadium (Crilly Park) will open from 12PM, and the Clubhouse will be open from the same time for those to enjoy some pre-match drinks.
Live sport will also be shown in the clubhouse before kick-off, and it will remain open post-match for any fans wanting to stay a little longer.
A hot-food counter located just outside the pitchside area will be open, serving locally sourced and highly rated favourites including cheeseburgers and hot dogs.
#NonLeagueDogs: Atherton LR are a dog-friendly club, so supporters bringing their four-legged friends are welcome – just make sure all dogs are kept on a lead throughout the game.
Sat Nav Postcode: M46 9JX
Match Coverage & Live Stream
If you are unable to make the game, 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: For this pre-season friendly, Roch Valley Radio are unable to provide coverage. Each of the other friendlies, will have radio commentary.
Social Media: Our team will also bring you in-depth text commentary via the club ‘MatchDay Live‘ Twitter feed, with team news and half time and full time 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!