New Delhi, Nov 15: India's first-ever footballer to play in the English League, Bhaichung Bhutia, has finally hit a purple patch for his team Bury, a second division side in the English League. The short-statured Sikkimese, who took almost a month to come to grips with English conditions, collecting a few bookings on the way, has at last put on his scoring boots.Bhutia, playing for Bury reserves against Manchester City reserves last week, scored the first goal for his team in the 39th minute. That was his third goal in four games for the reserves.Looking sharp, Bhutia did not waste time in stabbing home after the City players hesitated at the goal-mouth. Bhutia is said to have impressed manager Neil Warnock with his performance. Bury won the game 2-0 with Bhutia making a number of moves up front.Less than 24 hours ago, Bhutia, playing for the Bury regular side, contributed to his team's victory over Tamworth. That was a match for survival and manager Warnock had the Indian to thank to someextent.Bhutia had a say in both the Bury goals. Coming in as a substitute with his side down by a goal, Bhutia had a touch in the Bury equaliser in the 71st minute. He had a more direct contribution to the winning goal in the extra-time when he turned beautifully to set up another substitute Lutel James for the goal. The Indian placed himself well to receive a cross from Adrian Littlejohn and pierced the Tamworth defence with an accurate pass for James.Bhutia was not played against Stokes, Bury's other game of the week, which ended in a goalless draw. He was kept on the bench.Bhutia is now close to match fitness after a month's training and is expected to play in more games in the coming weeks. Warnock might put him on the starting line-up from next week.Bhutia had tried his luck with Aston Villa and Fulham before settling for Bury. The second division side has been using him sparingly, mainly as a substitute. He is yet to play a full game for Bury.Bhutia, who has always been considered fastfor Indian standard, found things different in England. Apart from building up his fitness, which was found wanting by his manager, Bhutia was put under a scheme to improve stamina and speed.He also had to understand that the refereeing in England was not as lenient as in India. He picked up bookings for follies which would have been overlooked here. His first booking, in his first game for Bury, was due to his reluctance to back off beyond the required 10 yards for a free-kick.
