HUMBLE boss Andy Preece heaped the blame on his own shoulders after Bury slumped to a shock home defeat against relegation strugglers Bristol.

All the momentum gained by the gutsy win over Bournemouth on Saturday was embarrassingly thrown away in a performance devoid of cutting edge.

But, despite the obvious failings of his players, Preece was quick to point the finger at himself.

"I blame myself for that performance," he admitted.

"I could have made five or changes from the Bournemouth game and changed our system to keep things fresh but I chose that team and I must take responsibility for that."

The old but usually valid excuse -- that defence-orientated lower league teams tend to stifle Bury's attacking fluidity at Gigg Lane -- was simply not applicable against a game Rovers outfit, who were never afraid to throw men forward.

The fact was that Shakers squandered possession far too easily to pose any serious threat to the visitors' goal.

So it came as no surprise that the goal, as late as the 64th minute, came from the first decent shot on target by either side.

Graham Hyde and Kevin Street combined well to fashion the opening. But how Robert Quinn was allowed to escape three surrounding defenders and place the ball comfortably past Glyn Garner will be examined in depth ahead of Shakers' difficult trip to league leaders Hartlepool on Friday night.

Bury, inspired by Preece's incursion off the bench and a change of formation, did rally for the final half hour but left it far too late to impose themselves on the game.

Form guide: Bury -- Garner 7, Stuart 7, Swailes 6, Nelson 6, Unsworth 6, Billy 6, Clegg 7, Redmond 6, Cramb 6, Dunfield 7, Newby 6. Subs: Nugent (for Cramb 45mins) 6, O'Shaughnessy (for Billy 35mins) 6, Preece (for Redmond 68mins) 6. Not used: Connell, Woodthorpe.

Attendance: 2,425

Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne and Wear)