BURY FC: Things went from bad to worst for Bury when they suffered another home defeat. This time, Watford inflicted a 2-1 loss on the Gigg Lane outfit.

Watford star Luther Blissett was a real thorn in Bury's side throughout and it was against the run of play when Bill Tucker headed home Gordon Taylor's corner after just nine minutes.

Bury are now without a home win since February and are looking really short in midfield. The 4,102 spectators in the crowd were visibly disappointed with their side.

Meanwhile, Dave Gregory has finally signed from Stoke City after Bury coughed up £35,000 for his striking services. He will make his debut at Tranmere on Friday night. Blackburn, Chester and Shrewsbury were also in the hunt for Gregory's signature.

The Bury side that went down to Watford was: Forrest, Lugg, Kennedy, Bailey, Tucker, Robins, Wilson, Farrell, Rowland, Hilton, Taylor. Sub: Stanton

Cricket: Bury Cricket Club's hopes of pressing for the second promotion spot in the Second Division of the Manchester Association suffered a blow when they went down to a surprise loss to Knutsford.

They lost by three runs after failing to overhaul Knutsford's meagre target of 109.

B. Holland (3-11), G. Simpson (2-14), D. Wainwright (3-44) and J. Ankers (2-16) restricted Knutsford to their lowly total before the Bury batsmen failed.

Only N. Broadhurst with 31 made any impact on the scorers as Bury fell an agonising three runs short.

RUGBY UNION: Bury RUFC struggled once again when they hosted Burnage.

The home side were missing five players and it showed as they were outclassed 10-4 in a good game.

Smith did run over a try for Bury but it was to no avail as he finished on the losing side.

From the Bury Times of Wednesday September 23, 1953

BURY FC: Bury went down to yet another defeat when Swansea recorded a 2-1 victory at Gigg Lane.

Imlach was on the scoresheet for the Shakers and Griffith missed the penalty that would have secured the point for the home side, roared on by 13,753 fans.

Johnny Walton, away with England Amateurs, was sorely missed and Bury never really got to grips with their superior opponents.

The Shakers played well but with no direction and are in desperate need of a positive result.

The team that took on Swansea was: Kirk, McLean, Griffiths. Greenhalgh, Hart, Bardsley, Plant, Daniel, Kelly, Gleadall, Imlach.

Meanwhile, Goram continues to impress in goal for the reserves despite the team only drawing 2-2 with neighbours Bolton.

Robinson and Cameron were the scorers in this local battle.

HOCKEY: Bury held Wigan to a draw in an entertaining game at Poolstock.

It is the fourth consecutive year that this fixture has ended in a draw.

Both sides were not at full-strength and Bury went two-up thanks to MacGregor's penalty-corner and a goal from Robinson after he had been set up by Mills.

Dehayne pulled two back for Wigan to the annoyance of the Bury side. Mills was man-of-the-match for his tireless performance.

BOWLS: Openshaw Ladies raised £18 for Christie Hospital in a competition at the weekend.

Mrs Cheetham of Clarence Park was the winner as she beat Mrs Cavanagh, also of Clarence Park, 15-9 in the final.

Other prize-winners were: Mrs Gorton (Clarence Park), Mrs Kenyon (Clarence Park), Mrs Carroll (Openshaw) and Mrs Berry (Whitefield).