Notts County 1 Bury 2 by Steve Canavan

JON Newby's blossoming love affair with Bury continued on Saturday after the striker was made captain and inspired his team to a superb win.

Hotshot Newby, who has already turned down big-money offers from Oldham Athletic, Blackpool and Luton to stay at Gigg Lane, was an inspiration, chasing lost causes and generally being a pain in the neck for the Notts County defence all afternoon.

With Paul Reid and Martyn Forrest injured, he became the third player this season to skipper the Shakers - and what a good choice he was. Alongside Gareth Seddon up front, he was unstoppable and the pair looked dangerous every time they got the ball. Manager Andy Preece was impressed with what he saw.

"I rate Newby and Seddon very highly," said the Bury boss. "Jon has been at his best almost all season. Gareth is new to the game really, but he has got five goals so far this season and he is just looking for that consistency.

"It's going to take a while because he has only just come into the game but I'm delighted with how they are playing."

This was a terrific three points, against a team who are almost as desperate for a victory as Bury. The Shakers were in superb form. The defence - especially the recalled Sam Collins - was rock solid and the midfield tenacious and brave.

Two first half goals won the match, though there was more than a touch of luck to the first. Newby's left wing cross was met by Seddon but his shot hit Ian Barraclough and span out for a corner. Much to everyone's surprise, the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. He confirmed later it had been for deliberate handball. It was harsh to say the least but David Borley didn't show sympathy, stepping up to coolly slot home the penalty.

Just before half time, and while the home fans were still chanting "1-0 to the referee", Bury doubled the lead; this time Seddon heading home after Collins had nodded Borley's corner kick back across goal. County's James Quinn pulled one back on 62 minutes to set up a nerve jangling last half hour but in truth Bury thoroughly deserved their win and Newby and Seddon could have increased the total.

"I thought it was a really good performance by the lads," added Preece, whose happiness was only tempered by Borley's stupid second half booking for time-wasting.

"We had done most of the hard work by the sixty minute mark. We really had the crowd going against them and they got one back.

"I was disappointed with the goal, because Redders got a clear push in the back. The referee does not see it and that puts us under pressure. It would have been a travesty if we hadn't won the game and got all three points."

BURY: Garner 7, COLLINS 9, Unsworth 7, Redmond 8, Nelson 8, Stuart 8, Borley 8, Jarrett 7, Clegg 8, Seddon 8, Newby (C) 8. Subs: Billy (for Clegg 70), Murphy, Hill, Connell, Lawson. ATT: 4,395 BOOKINGS: Unsworth (73 foul), Borley (78 time-wasting).