THE Shakers slipped up on Saturday when struggling Mansfield Town taught them a lesson in finishing.

As close rivals Wigan and Darlington closed in, Bury wasted chance after chance and gifted the Stags two goals as they avenged a 5-1 defeat by Bury in October.

Stan Ternent, named manager of the month for March last week, admitted:

"Manager of the month seems to be the kiss of death. Crystal Palace lost and Blackpool. Only Alex Ferguson seems able to get away with it.

"The result was very disappointing but there is still a long way to go and we are still in a very good position.

"I felt we created enough chances to win. It was one of those days when it would not go in for us but we live to fight another day."

Bury could have put the game beyond Mansfield's reach in the opening half-hour and if it had not been for the superb goalkeeping of Ian Bowling, it would have been all over.

On nine minutes Mark Sertori could not repeat last weeks feat and his flick header trickled agonizingly wide.

One minute later Bowling foiled Nick Daws' effort and his legs later denied Tony Rigby. Ian Hughes' diving header looked a certain goal on 15 minutes but a brilliant point blank save kept the Shakers goalless.

Mansfield did not pose a threat until, on 32 minutes, Steve Ireland broke free on the left. The Bury defence were caught sleeping as Steve Harper headed the ball home.

Four minutes later Harper turned provider when ex-Coventry player Simon Wood headed into the net for a shock 2-0 lead.

After the interval, Rob Matthews replaced Tony Rigby and Bury adopted a more forward line-up with defender Dean West pushing forward.

West nearly got on the score sheet but Bowling saved the initial shot and West's shot was hooked wide.

Phil Stant was introduced on the hour and he and Matthews connected well to create two great chances but the ball would just not go in the net for Bury.

"Any side is capable of beating another on the day in this league," said Stan.

"We have to take it on the chin and see if we can string another run together. That will keep us right up and in there!" As close rivals Wigan and Darlington closed in they wasted chance after chance and gifted the Stags two goals as they avenged a 5-1 defeat by Bury in October.

Stan Ternent, named manager of the month for March last week, said ruefully: "Manager of the month seems to be the kiss of death. Crystal Palace lost, and Blackpool. Only Alex Ferguson seems able to get away with it.

"The result was very disappointing but there is still a long way to go and we are still in a very good position.

"I felt we created enough chances to win. It was one of those days when it would not go in for us, but we live to fight another day."

Bury could have put the game beyond Mansfield's reach in the opening half-hour and if it had not been for the superb goalkeeping of Ian Bowling, it would have been all over.

On nine minutes Mark Sertori could not repeat last week's feat and his flick header trickled agonisingly wide.

One minute later Bowling foiled Nick Daws' effort and his legs later denied Tony Rigby.

Ian Hughes' diving header looked a certain goal on 15 minutes but a brilliant point blank save kept the Shakers goalless.

Mansfield did not pose a threat until, on 32 minutes, Steve Ireland broke free on the left. The Bury defence were caught sleeping as Steve Harper headed the ball home.

Four minutes later Harper turned provider when ex-Coventry player Simon Wood headed into the net for a shock 2-0 lead.

After the interval, Rob Matthews replaced Tony Rigby and Bury adopted a more forward line-up with defender Dean West pushing forward.

West nearly got on the score sheet but Bowling saved the initial shot and West's shot was hooked wide.

Phil Stant was introduced on the hour and he and Matthews connected well to create two great chances but the ball would just not go in the net for Bury.

"Any side is capable of beating another on the day in this league," said Stan.

"We have to take it on the chin and see if we can string another run together. That will keep us right up and in there!"

ZBURY'S away win against Scarborough on Tuesday night keeps them in third spot and still ripe for automatic promotion.

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