The Silkmen slumped to a disappointing defeat at Gigg Lane this afternoon, a result that sees Keith Alexander's team looking nervously over their shoulders once again following the news of a victory for Mansfield Town.

The game started in quiet fashion with James Jennings, in for the injury Jamie Tolley, the only change from the side that started at the Moss Rose a week ago. The first chance of the game fell to Francis Green who neatly controlled a ball from Terry Dunfield. But the Bury defence were alive to the danger and prevent the striker's shot hitting the target, a pattern that was to be repeated all afternoon with the Silkmen offering little from an attacking point of you. With neither side looking intent on pressing forward it took until three minutes before half-time for it to come to life.

And the manager will have been disappointed in the manner in which the goal was conceded. The Silkmen looked to have escaped when Andy Scott's effort was ruled offside. However moments later Elliot Bennett was allowed too much time on the edge of the box before firing in a low shot past a diving Jon Brain.

It proved to be enough for the home side who never really looked troubled after the break despite several substitutions, the second on 61 minutes seeing the return to action of Martin Gritton. WIth no clear cut chances falling our way the Silkmen missed a chance to settle the nerves of the 446 fans who made the trip and everyone's thoughts now turn to the visit of Chesterfield to the Moss Rose a week today.