AFC Sudbury 1 Bury Town 1

Cemal Ramadan thumped home a last-minute penalty as Bury grabbed a late point in this afternoon’s west Suffolk Bostik North derby, writes John Campany.

AFC Sudbury had earlier taken the lead when Ollie Peters scored, but in the end both sides had to settle for the draw, in front of Sudbury’s highest attendance of the season – 514.

The Yellows have struggled for much of the season as Mark Morsley attempts to rebuild the side in his own image, while Ben Chenery’s Blues have slipped down the table after a promising start, primarily due to becoming the league’s draw specialists.

What transpired was a pulsating and sometimes feisty affair that saw referee Abigail Marriott administered five cautions.

It was a frenetic start with Sudbury’s Kyran Clements inches wide and then the visitors’ Oliver Hughes tested keeper Jake Jessop, on loan from Chelmsford City.

Sudbury went in front in the 22nd minute when a long clearance was seized upon by Ryan Horne who resisted challenges to then release Peters who scored from close in.

Before the break a fine three man move that opened up the home defence culminated in Bury leading scorer Ramadan forcing Jessop to make a fine block.

Jessop made another smart stop from Ramadan whilst at the other end Kane Munday’s low drive was well saved by Luis Tibbles.

Sudbury almost extended their lead, but Tibbles made a fine save from Joe Whight’s thunderous free kick.

The game was developing into a terrific ‘derby’ as Bury fought hard for the equaliser.

The introduction of substitute Darren Mills combining with the dangerous Hughes was extending the home defence, indeed Hughes played in Mills who struck a fierce shot, but the impressive Jessop comfortably held.

Bury kept up the pressure and Ryan Jolland ran 20 yards before slipping the ball to Ramadan who rifled his effort, but again Jessop thwarted the attempt.

It was a grandstand finish as the home side went close, but Bury maintained the offensive.

The hosts had defended resolutely, but with two minutes of normal time remaining Bury drew level.

Jessop had made a point blank save and smothered the ball.

In the melee that followed the referee adjudged that Jessop had infringed.

Ramadan took the spot kick - Jessop saved, but the loose ball was fired home by the penalty taker, as Ramadan took his total to 19 for the season and Bury had their point.