SHAKERS starlet David Nugent could have played his way into Bury's starting eleven for their vital final three matches writes CHRIS HALL.

The 16-year-old striker made his second substitute appearance against Brentford on Monday and proved the inspiration behind the shock 2-0 win, which resurrected the Shakers survival hopes.

After the Good Friday defeat to basement rivals Northampton seemingly left them cut adrift in the bottom four of the Second Division, Bury were set for more heartache as their slender one-goal advantage looked in danger as the Bees ominously swarmed forward.

But the gamble to replace crowd favourite Jon Newby with the inexperienced youngster paid off in style as Nugent's pace and enthusiasm turned the tide back in Bury's favour and even set up Chris Billy's second and match-winning strike.

Now he could be set to partner Newby for the remaining battles against Bristol City, Colchester and Peterborough after impressing manager and fellow front man Andy Preece.

"Dave Nugent came on and was a different class. He ran his socks off," said Preece.

"It would have been easier to throw myself on but I just thought we needed some pace up front to get behind them. I felt David could do that because I had watched him in the reserves and knew what he was capable of.

"It was a great set up for the second goal. He's still only 16 and has a lot to learn but sometimes these things are pushed on you through injuries and suspensions.

"I thought he handled the situation really well. He absolutely terrified them and had that bit of luck when the ball just stuck to his feet through every challenge. He showed great pace and composure to set up the second goal."

It will be hard for Preece to restrict his new protogee to a bench place for the run-in as much-needed goals will be hard to come by at Ashton Gate and London Road.