Coca Cola League 2

FORMER Hatter Jon Daly ended Countyés recent revival as fellow strugglers Bury triumphed in front of Edgeley Parkés second-highest gate of the season.

After three straight league victories it was a chastening afternoon for the hosts as they were largely outplayed by their local rivals.

And their frustrations boiled over as team-mates Keith Briggs and James Spencer were involved in an angry confrontation at the final whistle.

The win moved the Gigg Lane club ahead of Jim Gannonés men, who are now just two points clear of the drop zone.

The Shakers dominated the first period, scoring one and hitting the woodwork twice, so Gannon was perhaps relieved to reach half-time just a goal down.

But while his team coped better in the second half, they lacked rhythm after a host of tactical switches and injury hold-ups.

County began brightly and Briggs almost gave them the perfect start on seven minutes after finding space at the far post.

His double effort was blocked twice on the line, prompting penalty appeals for handball, waved away by the referee.

Ten minutes later Aidan Collins went close, glancing Damien Allenés free-kick straight at Kasper Schmeichel.

But the hosts were blitzed by a 15-minute spell midway through the half, as the Shakers upped the pace.

First Ian Ross blazed over from close range, then moments later County escaped when Gobernés long-range effort rattled Spencerés left upright.

Spencer then did well to turn away a Ross drive on the half- hour, but from the resulting corner, Dalyés emphatic header beat Mark Robinson on the line to give Chris Casperés side a deserved lead.

Bury almost doubled their advantage immediately when Ross cushioned Gobernés centre into the path of Tom Youngs, but his nodded effort clipped the post.

Adam Griffinés dead-ball prowess offered Countyés best hope, although just before the break Liam Dickinson almost capitalised on indecision between Schmeichel and Bury skipper Dave Challinor, one of three County old boys on display.

By comparison the second half was sterile, despite Gannon ringing the changes and using Adam Le Fondre in a front three.

Briggs, in particular, saw his versatility tested, as he was first switched from right midfield to right back to accommodate sub Matt Hamshaw, then moved into central midfield with the introduction of Michael Raynes.

But it would have paid off on 80 minutes had Hamshaw not spurned Countyés best chance, flashing wide with the net seemingly at his mercy.

The home side launched a late flurry in added time, but Bury held on and went close themselves when Brian Barry-Murphyés free-kick was turned over by Spencer.

• COUNTY: Spencer, Briggs, Williams, Collins, Robinson (Le Fondre, 63), Beharall (Hamshaw, 57), Allen (Raynes, 75), Taylor, Griffin, Dickinson, Bramble. Subs not used: Smith, Ward. Booked: Williams. Star man: Adam Griffin.

• BURY: Schmeichel, Scott, Gobern, Challinor, Kennedy, Woodthorpe, Flitcroft, Ross (Brass, 76), Barry-Murphy, Youngs (Marrison, 68), Daly. Subs not used: Parish, Grundy, Tipton. Booked: Daly, Marrison.

Att: 6,014.

Ref: Jonathan Moss (West Yorks).

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