Colchester 1 Bury 1 by Steve Canavan PLAYER boss Andy Preece grabbed a point for rejuvenated Bury and stretched their unbeaten run to four matches after grabbing a late equaliser at Colchester.

After going behind to a disputed penalty, Preece made himself a hero by stabbing home a Jon Newby centre in the 82nd minute to give the small but dedicated band of Bury travellers something to smile about on their long journey home.

And the manager was spot on afterwards when he said it was the type of match that the Shakers would have lost a few weeks ago.

"Earlier in the season we might not have come back from going a goal down," reflected Preece. "I was delighted with the way we battled and the spirit we showed because it looked as though it wasn't going to be our day.

"In the end a draw was a fair result. We could have had one or two goals in the first half but they had their chances as well.

"As for the penalty, it didn't look like one. Their lad seemed to make the most of it but I'll have to look at the video."

With captain Nick Daws back after suspension at the expense of a none-too-chuffed Jason Jarrett, Bury began brightly.

Newby caused havoc down the Colchester left as early as the fourth minute but he had his shot well saved by keeper Andy Woodman.

Shortly afterwards the Liverpool loan man was inches away from converting Chris Billy's cross and he then supplied a teasing cross for strike partner Colin Cramb who headed narrowly over.

But Colchester looked dangerous and should have taken the lead on the half-hour when Chris Swailes misjudged a header, allowing Scott McGleish to nip in, but the striker fired wide with only Paddy Kenny to beat.

Vicious

Newby missed a great opportunity to score his fourth goal in as many games on 33 minutes but for once his control let him down allowing Woodman to parry.

Daws, Shakers best man on the night, shot inches over on the stroke of half-time and then Kenny had to be at his best to save a vicious 20-yard drive from Stockwell.

But it was Colchester who made the vital breakthrough after the break. Chris Armstrong -- Bury's wonderkid attracting interest from scouts nationwide -- challenged Joe Dunne in the area on 58 minutes and referee Fraser Stretton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, though it seemed a harsh decision.

Aaron Skelton didn't care though and joyously planted the spot kick firmly in the corner.

Chasing the game, Bury went on the front foot but struggled to create clear-cut chances and their attacking policy almost cost them dear.

Stockwell put Conlan through on goal but Kenny came to the rescue with a great save, which, as Preece agreed afterwards, kept the Shakers in the game.

Steve Redmond had a trademark 30-yard piledriver well saved and appeals for a penalty when Chris Billy tumbled in the area were turned down before the Shakers, with time evaporating and all three substitutes on, got the goal they craved.

It was well worked too with Jason Jarrett feeding Newby on the left flank.

The Liverpool loan man fired the ball across goal and Preece, on for Cramb, sidefooted home from six yards.

It sent the Bury fans -- making a 10-hour round trip to see their team - into delirium.

"I've nothing but admiration for the fans who came down here tonight," said goalscorer Preece, who ironically was booed by some supporters against Oxford on Saturday.

"It's a long way for them to come and a lot of them have had to take days off work, so I was delighted we got that goal to give them something to take home with them."

The result keeps Bury's fabulous February run intact. The Shakers have picked up 10 points from the last 12 and a win at Port Vale at the weekend could see Andy Preece in line for his first ever manager of the month award. BURY: Kenny 8, Billy 7, Armstrong 7, Collins 7, Redmond 7, C Swailes 7, Daws 8, Forrest 7, Reid 7, Cramb 6, Newby 8. Subs: Jarrett (for Forrest 71), Preece (for Cramb 77), Barnes (for Redmond 81), Hill, James.

Att: 2,755.