BURY GSOB 1 - ROSSENDALE AMS 3

A DISASTROUS opening half hour condemned the Old Boys to defeat at the hands of last season's First Division champions, Rossendale.

Bury failed to heed the warning that there would be an urgency and sharpness from the newly-promoted visitors and found themselves two down inside 18 minutes.

Tarron almost reduced the arrears, heading Lee's corner against the underside of the bar but the home side were then caught on the break for a third Rossendale goal as they struggled to match the speed and efficiency of the eager visitors.

But the mood changed when Holland's shuddering challenge freed the ball for Tarron to send Myers down the right flank and Riggs tucked away the striker's low cross. Certainly Bury finished the half much the stronger side and opened the second period in equally positive style. Myers cleared the bar with a long range drive.

Teasdale produced a fingertip save from another pinpoint Lee corner and Bracegirdle suffered a shot wide following an impressive four man move.

But despite an abundance of possession the crucial second goal did not arrive and Bury became frustrated as attacks were repeatedly repelled.

Beesley moved further forward and Marsh supplemented the midfield as the Old Boys searched for a breakthrough but Riggs' last minute shot against the crossbar proved to be the closest they came to another goal as they slumped to this opening day defeat.