SATURDAY'S matchwinner Chris Billy certainly benefited from a pep talk from Bury boss Andy Preece writes PHIL THORP.

The Shakers chief hasn't been completely satisfied with the midfielder's recent displays and told him so last week.

It paid off handsomely as Billy responded with a man of the match display at Nene Park and crowned that with the only goal of the game.

A delighted Preece said: "I'd had a word with him during the week and said he'd have to do more if he wanted to stay in the team.

"Chris is capable of being a top player in this division and he went out on Saturday and proved that.

"It's up to him to carry playing in that vein now, he's set the standard.

"I felt it took him 10 or 15 minutes to get into the match but once he did he ran the show. It was a great display from all our midfielders.

"In particular Colin Woodthorpe was fantastic. It probably came as a shock to the fans to see him in there but he played in that position at Stockport at a higher level than this.

"He's a clever, bright player who helps the other lads around him in a quiet way giving them the benefit of his experience."

Billy, who finished the game with a bloody lip courtesy of a collision with teammate Woodthorpe, was thrilled with his first goal of the season.

"Their full back 'shanked' the ball and it broke towards the centre half," he explained.

"I just reacted and fortunately got a lucky bounce in front of me.

"Once through I gave the 'keeper the eyes and put it in the corner," he grinned.

"But it was a good three points for us and we deserved it. In the first half we were well on top and looked the better side but after the break we had to dig in.

"We are a young team and I am one of the most experienced players in the squad so there is a responsibility on me the help the younger lads."