Hero Maynard just like Joshua – Lowe

Posted Sunday, March 10, 2019 by PA

Ryan Lowe compared goalscoring hero Nicky Maynard to boxer Anthony Joshua as a dramatic late winner kept Bury dreaming of promotion from Sky Bet League Two with a 1-0 win over Stevenage.

The 32-year-old pounced when it mattered most to head home from three yards deep into injury time to keep Lowe’s side firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish.

With the Shakers now 13 unbeaten in the league, Lowe said: “There’s nothing like a last-minute winner. I wanted to run on at the end with the lads but I managed to keep my emotions in check – just.

“We weren’t at our best – nowhere near – but all it takes is one chance and if there’s one man you want it to fall to, it’s Nicky.

“To score 19 at this stage of the season shows he’s still very much a force.

“I thought for a second he wouldn’t have the neck muscles to arch back, but he showed Anthony Joshua hasn’t got a patch on him, and the boys are delighted for him.”

But for the profligacy of Moses Makasi, Stevenage should have claimed a draw.

“When you don’t take your chances, you’re always in the hands of a mistake, and that’s what’s happened,” said rueful Stevenage boss Noureddine Maamria.

“We were unlucky, yes, but we had the opportunities. There were two clear chances, one in each half, and if either had gone in that’s game over, job done.

“Of course we’re frustrated but it’s not like it’s the first time it’s happened this season, and even with the goal, we should have done much better.”