BURY manager Andy Preece was a happy man after his young side deservedly proceeded to the second round of the Worthinton Cup, not only beating first division outfit Stoke City, but keeping their first clean sheet of the season in the process.

And it was the first Cup tie in any competition that Bury had won since beating Burnley 4-1 at Turf Moor way back in 1998!

The young Shakers had struggled to match the aggression shown by the Potters in the first half, but stood tall with Michael Nelson and Danny Swailes outstanding in defence.

The second half was a different matter altogether as Bury completely out-footballed their opponents. Swailes hit the bar, and George Clegg wasted two glorious opportunities, while Chris Billy should have made the issue certain.

But the crowning glory of the night was the magnificent goal, a sweeping multi-man passing movement from their own goalline which culminated in a brilliant Jon Newby cross which full back Jamie Stuart gleefully headed home.

The visitors increasing desperation saw a flurry of bookings and the sending off of Bjarni Gudjonsson for a tackle on Nelson.

Goal hero Stuart is likely to be out for several weeks following a similar, but unpunished, challenge.

Preece said: "That was fantastic. I have to hope that we get an attractive second round tie, away, somewhere, for financial reasons. Man City would be a nice one !"