Bury 2 Millwall 1

THE emotion of true euphoria isn't often felt in life but it is alive and kicking at Bury.

Jon Newby's last minute winner against league leaders Millwall sent the largest Gigg Lane crowd for months into raptures as the Shakers capped a magnificent display with a well-deserved three points.

Just when it looked as though Bury would have to settle for a point, up popped Liverpool loan man Newby in a crowded penalty area to lash the ball into the roof of the net.

It earned him the man of the match champgne but he should share it with fellow striker Colin Cramb who was superb all night and scored a brilliant individual goal before half time.

''This was no fluke,'' said Bury boss Andy Preece, of a result which will have the rest of the division raising their eyebrows. ''They are a quality team and my tip for promotion.

''They looked very good on the break and came forward in numbers but we coped well and had more chances than they did.

''Jon and Cramby up front were terrific. They are an ideal combination because Colin comes short and Jon goes into space and uses his pace.

''I'd been trying to sign them for a long time before I did. Who knows what would have happened if they'd come a couple of months earlier. I'm just glad I've got them now.''

And with Newby stating afterwards that he wanted to stay at Bury until the end of the season and possibly longer it was the perfect night for the Shakers.

But how badly it all began.

Barely three minutes had passed on the watch of a rather dodgy referee when Millwall dangerman Neil Harris beat the offside trap and squeezed a shot between Paddy Kenny's legs to score his 22nd goal of the season.

With Bury struggling to come to terms with Millwall's attacking zest, the visitors had chances to go further ahead, Harris missing a glorious chance at the backpost after a cross from David Livermore who had received the ball a good six yards offside.

The home side needed some inspiration and on 34 minutes Colin Cramb, on loan from Crewe, provided it.

With nothing on, a stunning piece of skill and a turn of pace took him clear of the entire Millwall defence and he finished superbly past Willie Gueret.

After Paul Reid cleared a Sean Dyche header off the line, Newby had a shot saved and Cramb was unlucky with a curling shot which bounced back off the post.

The second half was a great spectacle with the match wide open as both teams pressed forward. For Millwall, the impressive left-winger Christophe Kinet had a shot cleared off the line and Paddy Kenny made two fantastic saves from looping headers by centre back Dyche.

But it was the Shakers who had the most opportunities. Newby and Cramb both had two good chances to finish the game but a combination of the flambouyant Guerer, the Millwall defence and the potholed pitch kept them out.

Then, with seconds left, Paul Reid whipped in a croner, Chris Swailes headed it on and Newby was on hand to smash it home.

Cue wild celebrations all round and a PA system which blasted out ''Another one bites the dust''. With a seven game unbeaten run after the dark mid-season days, it had never felt more appropriate. BURY: Kenny 8, Billy 7, Armstrong 7, C Swailes 7, Redmond 7, Collins 8, Reid 8, Daws 7, Forrest 8, Newby 8, CRAMB 9. Subs: Barnes, James, Hill, Preece, Connell.

ATT: 3,587.