Bury 2 AFC Bournemouth 1by Phil Thorp: IF Saturday's game at Gigg Lane was supposed to be an occasion for mourning a few more afternoons like that will not go amiss.

It was more like a celebration than a wake when Bury ran out for what could be their final game at their home.

With the court case that could cost them their 117-year-old ground looming, all gloom and despondency was put on the back burner as the Shakers picked up their first home win since November.

But it looked as though their off-field problems were getting the better of the players in an opening spell that could have seen the visitors two goals up inside the first three minutes.

Carl Fletcher brought a fine save out of Paddy Kenny with a first time effort then second later Shaun Maher rattled the bar with a header that the Bury keeper was relieved to collect at the second attempt.

As the home side grew increasingly edgy it was no surprise when Bournemouth took the lead in the 14th minute as Derek Holmes rose unchallenged to head home a James Hayter corner kick.

It was clear a tactical change was required and Bury boss Andy Preece sacrificed defender Steve Redmond for young midfielder David Borley - with immediate results.

After their slow start the Shakers began to take a grip of the game and only two magnificent saves from Gareth Stewart, from stunning drives by Jon Newby and Martyn Forrest, kept the visitors in the lead.

But Bury deservedly levelled in first half stoppage time and it was substitute Borley who played a major part in providing the equaliser.

His right wing cross was met by Jason Jarrett then fell invitingly for George Clegg, who cracked home his fourth goal of the season.

Jarrett then had a hand in the Shakers' 63rd minute winner when he headed Sam Collins' long throw against the bar and Ian 'Lethal' Lawson swept home the rebound to send the majority of the 4,218 crowd home happy.

Bury boss Preece was delighted with the win that gives his side a four point cushion from the relegation places, though he did admit to some apprehension in the first few minutes of the game.

"After 25 minutes we were worried because it surprised us the way Bournemouth played and we couldn't get to grips with their system," he said.

"But once we made the change it was a completely different game. It was important that we got a goal back before half time because if they'd have gone in a goal up they could have made it difficult for us in the second half.

"After the interval it was pretty even but I thought we got stronger as the game went on and though Ian Lawson's goal wasn't pretty all that mattered was that he stuck it away.

"We'd told the players to go looking for loose balls in the box and both goals stemmed from situations like that.

"It's good to see the players take on board what we've been telling them.

"That's the difference between winning, drawing and losing."

BURY FORM GUIDE

Kenny 7, Collins 7, Unsworth 7, Forrest 7, Redmond 7 (Broley, 26, 8), Jarrett 7, Nelson 7, Clegg 9, Newby 7, Lawson 7, Stuart 8.

Subs not used: Garner, Reid, Preece and Connell.

Referee: Mr F. Stretton (Nottingham)

Attendance: 4,218