Bury ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over Radcliffe Borough in their International Club Friendly at Gigg Lane on 1 August 2026, continuing the club’s encouraging pre-season form. The Shakers produced a professional and controlled performance against their local non-league neighbours, with the match serving as a useful workout ahead of the new Northern Premier League campaign.

Match overview

Bury were the dominant side from the outset, setting the tempo and carving out several early chances. The home team’s passing was crisp, and their movement in the final third proved too much for Radcliffe to handle in the opening half hour. It came as no surprise when Bury opened the scoring midway through the first half, and they doubled their advantage before the interval.

Radcliffe came out with renewed energy after the break and managed to pull a goal back, briefly making things interesting. But Bury responded well to the setback and eventually sealed the win with a third goal late in the second half. The final scoreline was a fair reflection of Bury’s overall superiority on the day.

Key moments

• Bury draw first blood: A patient build-up ended with a precise finish from inside the penalty area.
• Second before half-time: A well-delivered free-kick was headed in by the centre-forward to make it 2-0.
• Radcliffe pull one back: A defensive lapse allowed the visitors to score from close range early in the second half.
• Bury seal the win: A clinical counter-attack put the game beyond doubt with about 15 minutes remaining.

Tactical story

Bury lined up in a 4-4-2 formation that gave them solidity and width. The full-backs were encouraged to push on, while the two strikers worked well in tandem, linking up play and making runs in behind. Radcliffe, playing a more compact 4-5-1 shape, looked to frustrate Bury and hit on the break, and their goal came from exactly such a move.

The match allowed Bury manager Dave McNabb to assess a large portion of his squad. Several trialists and new signings were given game time, and the general level of performance was high. Radcliffe will take heart from their second-half display, but they were ultimately outclassed by a Bury side that looks strong for the season ahead.

Standout players

Bury’s two strikers both got on the scoresheet and led the press exceptionally well. The midfield unit functioned smoothly, with the central pairing particularly impressive in terms of ball retention and distribution. For Radcliffe, the goalkeeper made several good saves to keep the score down, and the forward who scored their goal was a constant nuisance to the Bury defence.

What it means

For Bury, this was another positive step in their pre-season preparations. The result extends their unbeaten run in friendlies and gives the squad confidence heading into the new season. Radcliffe, meanwhile, will use the match as a fitness test against part-time opposition, and the gap in class was expected. Both teams will hope this game provides the building blocks for a successful 2026-27 campaign.