CHESTER CITY 2, SHAKERS 1: Two second-half defensive lapses cost Bury their unbeaten March record as a grateful Chester City side salvaged three priceless survival points.

Ian Rush's men could hardly believe their luck after putting in a miserable first half performance that didn't get that much better in the second period.

Bury really ought to have sewn the match up before the interval but only had Colin Kazim-Richards' 12th minute goal to show for their efforts.

Richards took advantage of a poor clearance by City goalkeeper Chris Mackenzie to spectacularly lash the ball straight past him again from 35 yards.

The home side showed absolutely nothing up front and failed to test a makeshift Shakers back line that was missing three first choice central defenders.

But instead of forcing home their advantage Graham Barrow's men seemed content to stay in the comfort zone. And they didn't exactly come flying out of the traps at the restart so it was against the run of play when Ryan Lowe was allowed too much time to equalise.

Then, after a long throw by Andy Nicholas evaded two feeble attempts to clear, Lowe found himself with all the time in the world to steer past Garner a second time.

Even when they were in the lead, Chester failed to convince and it was the Shakers who asked most of the questions in the latter stages with sub Danny Boshell making a very useful contribution.

BURY: Garner, Whaley, Kennedy, Kazim-Richards, Scott, Barry-Murphy, Mattis, Flitcroft, Challinor, Porter, Shakes (Boshell 65). Subs not used: Collinge, Buchanan, Barrow and Cartledge.

REFEREE: Mr Matt Messias (York)