M.E.N LEAGUE: SALFORD BOYS U-15...1, BURY BOYS U-15...0: BURY Boys turned in one of their best performances of the season against a strong Salford team and were unlucky not to gain at least a draw.

With six players missing, last minute replacements had to be found. With all three main strikers absent, the Elton School duo of Matthew and Ben Price were moved forward, and skipper Liam Franklin (Bury Church) moved into the back four.

It was soon clear in the first half that the Bury lads were going to hold their own with an all-round team effort. David Morris (Parrenthorn) and Christopher Hale (St Monica's) both performed splendidly in defence, and David Campbell (Bury Church) showed his agility in goal; Salford were unable to break through.

Chas Anyonwu (St Monica's) entered the fray for his first appearance in the second half and caused the Salford defence several problems.

Another newcomer, Liam Richmond (St Monica's) also played his part in the encouraging performance.

The only goal, mid-way through the second half, came via the only real lapse from the defence when the ball arrived at the feet of a Salford forward who was alone, six yards from goal.

Even then, Bury put the Salford defence under severe pressure until the final whistle, but the equaliser just wouldn't come.

Next match is on February 28 when Bury play Rossendale in the Alder/Owen Cup at Derby School, kick-off 10.30am.