IT TOOK County boss Jim Gannon a good half-hour before he emerged hugely disappointed for his post-match media briefing at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

An early strike from Glynn Hurst and a cute second-half finish from Andy Bishop condemned the Hatters to just a third defeat in 14 games, but it was a victory which Chris Casperés side fully deserved, and it was they who stole a march in the race to penetrate the play-off chasing pack.

County and Bury were level on points going into the game, but Gannonés men slipped down to 13th place in League Two on Saturday night and are now six points shy of League Twoés fourth play-off spot.

Gannon said: éIt was disappointing to go one-nil down so early in the game, but for the rest of the first half we created some good chances.

éIn fact we missed two or three great chances.

éWe knew it would be difficult here today, but after they picked us off for the second goal in the second half, I was very disappointed with our response.

éI donét think we won two headers in this game, and we never really got hold of Bishop.

éAt this moment Iéve not got enough players who are outshining others, and thatés something I need to take a look at.

éYou can put players in positions and work on tactics, but we need them to be manly at places like this.é

Gannon also expressed his disappointment at losing defender Tony Kane in the lead-up to the game.

The young right-back - who played well in each of his four games for County - was recalled from his loan spell by Blackburn Rovers on Friday, to be replaced by Michael Bowler.

Gannon added: éLosing Tony threw us out a bit today.

éIém not going to use that as an excuse, but I still havenét received a phone call from Blackburn Rovers.é

There was happier news on Adam Proudlock, however, as his injury doesnét appear to have been as bad as was first feared.

He was stretchered off late on at Gigg Lane, but Gannon said: éAdam seemed to go over on his ankle, but Iém happy enough that heéll be okay for next weekendés trip to Wycombe.

éHeés a huge threat for us so it would be a blow to lose him.é

Bury boss Casper was delighted as his team leap-frogged County into ninth place in the table.

éWe were magnificent,é said Casper. éI would say thatés the best performance for me as a manager and from the players since Iéve been at the club.é

COUNTYéS youth team enjoyed a fantastic 6-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. Alex Elliott grabbed a brace, while Chris Coward, Paul Ennis, Dan Ellis and Paul Turnbull were also on target.

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