NORTHERN Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy has called on the Premiership big boys to help club's like Bury in the future.

The former Manchester United star did his bit to help his former club fight off the threat of extinction by donning an Accrington Stanley shirt in the fund-raising game for Bury FC at the Crown Ground last night.

His appearance helped to raise the profile of Second Division Bury's plight with 1008 people coming through the turnstiles, adding £8000 to the 'Save Our Shakers' campaign.

But Sammy says the big clubs down the road should do more -- it shouldn't be up to the Accrington Stanley's of this world.

"It would be nice for a Premiership side to send a side down when teams are in trouble. Bigger clubs should take time to help smaller ones.

"I know Manchester United are inundated but there are other clubs who could help.

"I know in Ireland, Derry City survive off two 'friendly' games a year against Manchester United and Celtic.

"That would be a great thing for the future and it should happen more.

"Bury's situation has been well-documented. They have done well in recent seasons and it will be tragic if it all falls away.

"But is not only Bury but club's all over the country. I am planning to send a Northern Ireland side to Macclesfield to help them out.

"It would give clubs a lifeline and help them survive."

A great deal of planning had gone into the game as Stanley strove to prevent their league neighbours going the same way as they did -- and dropping out of the Football League in 1962.

The former Macclesfield manager, 46, lined up alongside one-time Shakers, Mark "Spike" Carter and ex-skipper David Pugh along with Stanley first team regulars.

" I've told the players to play ball to feet then I might last 90 minutes but I don't want to go running around!" said McIlroy as he warmed up on what was a hard surface.

He did try and orchestrate things a bit although Stanley manager John Coleman brought him off after 50 minutes.

"I think he was still fresh but I decided to change things round a bit!" joked the Reds boss. "It was good of Sammy to come and the crowd got a chance to see an international manager on the Crown Ground. I'm sure people will remember that."

Bury fielded a full side and scored two cracking goals in their eventual 2-0 win, although no one was too worried about the scoreline.

Lutel James raced ahead of the Stanley defence to convert Paul Reid's cross and then former Oldham winger Reid scored a spectacular 25 yard effort and kissed his foot afterwards!

"Two stunning goals I just hope we can do that on Saturday against Stoke," said Bury manager Andy Preece whose side are too close to the relegation zone for comfort.

Indian captain Baichung Bhutia also impressed for the Gigg Lane club although the hard surface did foil him a few times as he raced for goal. And Chris Armstrong, brother of Burnley's Gordon and said to be interesting the Clarets, also put on a solid show when he came on.

Stanley strove for a consolation at the end for their watching fans who were willing the ball into the net.

Simon Carden had a chance to convert but was denied by Bury's keeper and Mark Ceraolo chipped over with minutes to spare.

And Coleman introduced a lively looking 19-year-old Steve McDonald up front and he too had his moments. "He could break into the first team by the end of the season," added Coleman.

"I wish it was three points," joked one member of the Bury crowd. He didn't mean it. At this moment, the money is much more important.

Stanley still have a signed David Beckham Manchester United shirt up for grabs along with memorabilia from 40 other clubs who contributed to their raffle.

There are signed items from Arsenal, Blackburn, Burnley, Preston, Sunderland have sent a limited edition photo while Southampton have sent two tickets for a game -- for those prepared to travel.

All the money is going to Bury FC's 'Save Our Shakers' fund. The raffle will be drawn on February 22 and there is still time to buy tickets. Contact Accrington Stanley on 01254 383235.