ACCRINGTON STANLEY'S first pre-season friendly of the summer ended in defeat last night when Nationwide Second Division side Bury scored a late goal at the Crown Ground.

In a match that was anything but friendly, there were few scoring chances.

The Reds almost scored on eight minutes when Mark Ceraolo latched on to a through ball but his shot was well blocked by Bury goalkeeper Glyn Garner.

Four minutes later Garner was called into action again as a floated free kick by Steve Hollis was met by a powerful header from Jonathan Smith.

Simon Carden was presented with a glorious chance on 21 minutes following good work by Russell Payne but the unmarked midfield player could only blast his shot over the crossbar.

Bury were restricted to a 25-yard shot by Danny Swailes on 23 minutes that Jamie Speare easily dealt with. The second half brought a host of substitutions by both sides. Stanley trialist Paul Howarth saw his 59th minute shot saved by substitute keeper Paddy Kenny.

On 84 minutes Bury's Lee Unsworth broke clear but Speare made a superb save.

From Martyn Forrest's resulting corner kick Speare could only palm the ball into his own net to gift Bury a fortunate winner.

Result: ACCRINGTON STANLEY 0, BURY 1