Andy Preece will hand himself a hefty fine after becoming the eighth Bury player to receive a red card this season.

The Shakers player manager was dismissed two minutes from time by Preston referee Phil Richards following an off the ball clash with Tranmere's Graham Allen.

Preece, who was also booked for dissent just before his sending off, now faces a three-match ban and with Jamie Stuart having to sit it out for four games, the Bury boss knows discipline must improve.

''The lad pulled me and I backed into him'' explained Preece after joining Jason Jarrett, Steve Redmond and Stuart on Bury recent roll of dishonour.

''I swung round and raised my arm as I did so and while I did not mean to catch him I think I got him on the chin.

'Ref had no choice'

''But I raised my hands and so the referee had no option.

"I am the example to the rest of the team and this was not a good example to set so I have apologised to the lads."

Bury have now gone six games without a win and with a worrying injury list they need all the players at their disposal to pull themselves away from the Second Division drop zone.

Bury threatened late on, but were unable to salvage a point from the powerful visitors.

Tranmere's highly rated midfielder Jason Koumas scored the only goal after 27 minutes after converting a cross from Jason Price.

Somehow Tranmere failed to take a host of other scoring opportunities that could have put Bury beyond hope at half time. Paul Rideout and Price both squandered good chances as did substitute Seyni N'Diaye in the closing 10 minutes.

Put clear by Sean Flynn, N'Diaye shot tamely and Paddy Kenny saved with his legs.

Just one shot

Bury managed just one shot on target in the entire game and have now gone three matches without a goal. George Clegg drove in a left footed effort mid way through the first half but John Achterberg saved comfortably enough.

Does Andy Preece need to sort out Bury's indiscipline? Let us know your views.

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