BURY manager Andy Preece echoed what Macclesfield boss John Askey and his predecessor David Moss have been preaching all season after watching his side lose 1-0 to the Silkmen.

"Anyone can beat anyone in this division, and, if you're not at your maximum, you're not going to win," said the Shakers boss.

Bury barely created a chance as the Macclesfield defence snuffed out every opportunity.

Macc caretaker boss John Askey said: "This was our best defensive display of the season. I thought Michael Welch and Karl Munroe were both excellent."

Chances

Fiery former Oldham striker Matthew Tipton scored the winner in the 26th minute, beautifully controlling a miscued clearance from Colin Woodthorpe before thumping home a half-volley for his sixth goal in only nine starts.

The Silkmen should have then killed off Bury, skipper Martin Carruthers misplacing a free header before the break and then seeing Glyn Garner save a powerful drive on 65 minutes.

Both Danny Whitaker and man of the match Tipton went close, before Gareth Seddon spurned Bury's best chance of an equaliser, planting a 20-yard volley into the midriff of the dependable Steve Wilson.

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