Unlucky Shakers let points slip

SHAKERS boss Andy Preece reckoned it was two points lost after Bury came within an inch of beating high-flying Rotherham United.

Defender Sam Collins' last gasp header smashed against the upright just as referee Phil Dowd was about to blow for full time.

It was unlucky on Collins who turned in a man of the match performance on a hard and difficult pitch which has been covered all week to protect it from the snow.

But in the end a draw was probably a fair result from a match which was often fierce but never too dirty, though the fussy referee did his best to make it seem so - booking six players, four from the home side.

Bury had the best of the first half, Adrian Littlejohn squandering three good chances. The second period was dour, Rotherham on top and only a superb Collins tackle denying former Manchester United striker Mark Robins after he had latched onto a terrible Martyn Forrest backpass and rounded Kenny on the hour.

''I saw Fozzer try to play the ball back and I just ran to try and cover. Luckily I managed to get my foot round the ball and clear it,'' said the hero of the hour. His manager agreed though he made sure Collins keeps his feet on the ground. ''I thought he was a bit shaky first 20 minutes and not playing well,'' said Preece, ''but he came back strong.

''Sam could have stood there and watched when Forrest hit that backpass but he chased back. That is the kind of spirit we need ... players who are prepared to get others out of trouble.''

Preece thought it should have been game, set and match to Bury by half time as the home team missed a bagful of opportunities. Littlejohn had the best chance, sent clean through on 41 minutes by Steve Redmond only to see his shot saved by keeper Ian Gray.

Chris Billy too should have done much better delaying his shot and allowing Rotherham's Stewart Talbot to get in a block after a lovely flowing move involving Paul Barnes and Jarrett.

The second half was a struggle to watch - and not because many supporters were still seeing double after New Years Eve celebrations. It was simply boring and wasn't helped by the over zealous ref who seemed to love his whistle so much it was as if he'd been given it as a Christmas gift by a favourite aunt.

He was inconsistent too, giving yellow carded Rotherham striker Alan Lee at least four final warnings - though Steve Redmond must have breathed a sigh of relief after escaping with a clumsy challenge moments after being booked.

After Collins fantastic challenge on former Red Devil Robins, Bury produced a barnstorming finish and almost snatched it. Andy Preece, a second half sub, tested former Stockport number one Gray with a curling 25 yard free kick, Collins hit the woodwork and claims for a ''some would've given it'' penalty were waved away after Paul Reid was bundled over as he was about to take aim from 8 yards.

''In the end I'd say it was two points dropped because we created so many chances and the only chances they had were from our mistakes,'' said Preece. ''But the pitch was difficult and it was a battle for both sides. No one really got on top in the second half but we could have snatched it at the end.''

BURY: Kenny 7, Daws 8, COLLINS 9, C Swailes 8, Redmond 8, Billy 8, Forrest 6, Barnes 7, Littlejohn 7, Reid 8, Jarrett 7. SUBS: Unsworth (for Forrest 68), Preece (for Littlejohn 73), James (for Barnes 73), Smith, Bullock. Att: 3,743

Ref: Phil Dowd 5