Luton Town 0 Bury 0

LUTON, once famous only for Eric Morecambe, its airport and Lorraine Chase, has suddenly taken on a whole new significance around these parts.

The Bedfordshire town will, it is almost certain, be remembered, as the place the Shakers finally nailed down a place in Division One for the first time in 28 years.

It's not certain yet of course, and the dreaded 'P' word will still not tumble from the tight lips of the Bury manager and his players, but if the team performs at Watford tomorrow like it did on Tuesday night, the one point needed to satisfy the mathematicians will be in the bag.

The rearguard action at Kenilworth Road wasn't pretty to watch, it was never going to be in such circumstances, but it was as resolute and determined a showing as Stan Ternent's men have produced all season.

And although Bury's performance didn't please the majority in the crowd it got the double thumbs up from the 750 travelling fans and the major shareholder.

"What you saw tonight was a microcosm of what has been so good about our play this season," reasoned the man who is about to wipe off £2 million of his beloved club's debt.

"We were disciplined throughout the ninety minutes, determined in every area and played like a team. The players are a tribute to the manager's organisation and their own desire."

Mr Eaves admitted having a betting slip burning a hole in his back pocket but was toeing the party line re that confounded 'P' word.

"We need one more point and when we get it we will have a massive party," he confirmed. "It would be nice if we could manage it against Watford and then fill Gigg Lane to the roof for the final match. The players deserve their moment and so do the fans, they were magnificent again tonight."

Luton's frustration at playing a team so defensively well-equipped was evident from half-time onwards. Tony Thorpe, their 31-goal master marksman, was reduced to hopeful pot-shots from outside the box and there was an air of surrender about them long before the final whistle. Chris Lucketti and Paul Butler had broken Thorpe's heart and Dean Kiely had made sure the rest of the Hatters were also left mad at themselves.

Ceri Hughes had no luck beating the in-form 'keeper with two long range efforts and when Thorpe finally got a sniff with a 64th minute header the fearless Kiely got his body in the way.

For all their huff and puff Luton just couldn't blow this sturdily built Bury house down and it was the Shakers who went on to produce the best chance of the night.

Tony Battersby bludgeoned his way down the right flank, flicked off the attentions of former Spurs full-back Mitchell Thomas on his way, and then pulled back an astute 60th minute pass for David Johnson who proceeded to snatch at his 12-yard shot and lifted it high over the bar.

Johnson should not reproach himself for it was his introduction as 21st minute substitute in place of Nicky Reid that turned the ebb of the contest.

Ternent's reading of the game proved faultless, yet again, as he trimmed his back five to a back four and bolstered the attack. Johnson, Jepson and Battersby then made the plan work with their tireless running. Their efforts were certainly appreciated by Lenny Johnrose and Nick Daws who seem to cover a marathon distance every time they step out. Hard work is the by-word of this Bury team and it will continue to the end of the season.

"There will be no letting up," confirmed Ternent after the game. "We have got closer to our goal (note the non-use of the 'P' word) and that is all. We haven't done it yet. We were solid and professional and that is how it must stay. We will keep our heads down and get on with our business. Luton's fans weren't pleased but I'm not surprised. They had to win and they didn't."

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