Bury secured a 3-1 victory over Radcliffe in the second annual Paul Hilton Trophy match held on Saturday, a fixture that honored the late Radcliffe chairman who passed away in 2024. The match marked the first time former joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley faced each other since Johnson's departure from Radcliffe in February, leaving Morley in sole charge.
Ahead of kickoff, players, officials, and supporters observed a minute's applause in tribute to Paul Hilton, while traveling fans chanted “One Paul Hilton.” Johnson emphasized the significance of the occasion, saying the priority was ensuring Paul’s family enjoyed the game and expressing satisfaction that both teams contributed to an engaging contest.
The match began with an early goal from Bury, as Tom Carr expertly timed his run past the offside trap to slot the ball beyond Radcliffe goalkeeper Tom Donaghy in the 13th minute. Radcliffe responded quickly, equalizing seven minutes later through Jordan Hulme, who capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to bring the score level.
Radcliffe maintained pressure before halftime, with Lois Maynard heading a shot against the crossbar and Donaghy making a notable save from a long-range effort by Louis White. The second half saw Radcliffe start strongly, forcing Bury’s goalkeeper Mitch Allen into two critical saves against substitute Kyle Hawley. Rustam Stepans also tested Donaghy with an attempt that was comfortably gathered as Bury sought to regain the lead.
Bury’s defense, led by Bailey Sloane, thwarted a dangerous counterattack from Radcliffe’s Jon Taylor, after which Bury began to assert control over the match. Sloane himself challenged Donaghy from distance with a shot that the goalkeeper initially spilled before recovering to deny Carr a follow-up chance.
The decisive moment arrived six minutes from time when Louis White struck a precise shot into the bottom corner, giving Bury the lead. Carr narrowly missed adding a second goal shortly thereafter, firing over the bar. In the final minutes, newly turned 27-year-old Mo Touray secured the victory with a late goal, ensuring a deserved win for Bury as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.