RECALLED strike duo Andy Bishop and Glynn Hurst did the trick for Bury to get the Shakers back on track.

Just one goal in five games had contributed to a wretched run of five straight home defeats, but the Shakers returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory at Gigg Lane.

Bishop gave the Shakers a ninth-minute lead before Hurst scored his first goal of the season in the 40th minute, and they both struck in five minutes around the hour mark to seal victory and avenge their FA Cup defeat by Gillingham two weeks ago.

Alan Knill made three changes, with Ben Futcher returning in defence for Ryan Cresswell, and his reinstated strike pair led a lively opening which resulted in Mike Jones’ teasing left-wing cross being stabbed home by Bishop.

Gillingham replied with Adam Miller flashing a shot across goal and a timely challenge by Shakers skipper Paul Scott denied Mark Bentley a shot at goal.

Hurst then got to the byline and his cut-back was steered narrowly over by Bishop, while Gary Richards’ header tested Bury keeper Wayne Brown from a 29th-minute corner.

Visiting keeper Simon Royce made a fine save to deny Hurst after a Bury corner was only partially cleared before tipping over a Brian Barry-Murphy free-kick.

But Royce was caught flat-footed from the resulting corner as Hurst found space to head home Barry-Murphy’s inswinger from just a yard out.

Brown saved from John Nutter shortly after the restart, while Royce saved a 20-yard strike by Elliott Bennett.

But Bennett and Hurst then combined for Bishop to score with a six- yard tap-in before Bishop returned the favour for Hurst to head home from a deep left-wing cross.

Gillingham missed out on a consolation when Adam Miller saw his 73rd- minute spot-kick saved by Brown, who was booked for bringing down substitute Simeon Jackson.

What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.

Tweet