Birtley boys are up-Beat ahead of Bury battle

By Mark Carruthers

BRING IT ON! Bury AFC represent a glamour tie for Northern League side Birtley Town

PICTURE: Garry Griffi ths

BIRTLEY Town manager Paul Beat is relishing the challenge of facing Phoenix club Bury AFC today in their first ever FA Vase second round tie.

Bury, of the North West Counties First Division North, were formed in December 2019 following Bury FC’s expulsion from the Football League.

The Shakers currently sit top of the table after going unbeaten in their 13 league games so far and have already seen off Northwich Victoria, Maltby Main and another Northern League Division One club, Ryhope CW, to set up their Vase tie against the Hoops.

In contrast, Birtley have endured a mixed season but manager Beat is hopeful his players can reach a new high by claiming a notable win in a high-profile tie.

“My phone went into complete meltdown when the draw came out,” he told The NLP. “First and foremost, you’re thinking what a great tie it is and it’s a fantastic away trip against a club we haven’t faced.

“We like going to grounds where we don’t play every week and we are looking forward to it. It’s a great tie and one we are thoroughly looking forward to playing.”

Beat could not hide his pride at seeing his side reach the second round of the Vase for the first time – and is hoping they can continue their progress on a number of fronts.

“We are on an upwards trajectory, we have been slowly and surely moving forwards on and off the pitch,” he added. “I am enjoying the opportunity to move the club forward and to get the opportunity to do it all again.”