IF ever a performance was encapsulated in a single goal, it was this one writes Chris Hall
The passion and commitment with which Colin Woodthorpe launched himself into the unchartered waters of Wanderers' penalty area to force home Jon Newby's 49th-minute cross was shared by every last man in a Shakers shirt as Bury simply outfought their so-called betters.
Despite taking on a weakened but no less formidable Bolton outfit, Bury's sheer enthusiasm and will to win proved far too strong for the Premiership outfit and, despite the usual white knuckle ride up to the final whistle, the fact was that they never looked like relinquishing their deserved advantage.
Matt Barrass and Michael Nelson, in particular, were unshakable in defence, while the workrate of Chris Billy and Pawel Abbott was breathtaking.
But the star of the show was undoubtedly Newby, who seized his moment on the big stage with a mighty performance full of vision, energy, pace and skill which once again proved his worth at a higher level.
Putting sentiment to one side, the most satisfying aspect of the night was the 12,000-plus attendance - worth around £40-50,000 to Shakers' bank balance - and the promise of a similar pay day if Saturday's third round draw is similarly kind.
Another prime away fixture against United, City or Liverpool will give manager Andy Preece enough cash to secure the immediate futures of key loan and short contract players like Terry Dunfield, Pawel Abbott and, of course, last night's hero.
Ugly tap-ins never win goal of the season awards but Woodthorpe's scrappy effort could well have made Bury's.
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