JUST as their fans had written off Bury's hopes of survival in the second division, the Shakers turned in an excellent performance to win the points against the high flying Bees and give themselves a tough, but possible lifeline.

Chris Billy, starting his first game since hobbling off at Griffin Park in November, was ultimatley the hero, netting his first goals for two years, but it was 16-year-old striker David Nugent who caught the eye with his pace and skill.

After Billy had opened the scoring with a terrific volley shortly after the break, it was young Nugent who broke away down the left before passing to skipper Martyn Forrest who calmly set up Billy for his second.

Bury's makeshift defence, with three of the back four missing, were magnificent throughout and earned the praise of manager Andy Preece: " I was proud of them, proud of all of them, but I have been all season. I know some of you had written us off, but I hadn't, I always knew we could take the final 12 points, and its not over yet.

"These are good lads, eight of them out there earn less than £300 per week,they are fully committed to Bury Football Club.

"David Nugent is only 16, what a prospect he is, watch him next season, he still has some growing to do, he will be a real handful."

BURY travel to Bristol City next Saturday for the next instalment in what has been a roller coaster season, both on and off the pitch.

BURY...2

BRENTFORD...0