Carlisle Utd 1 Bury 2 by Phil Thorp

ANDY Preece's happy travellers wrapped up another three away points in a game that only came to life midway through the second half.

Both defences were well and truly on top until Cumbrians skipper Peter Murphy blasted his side in front with a 30 yard free kick just after the hour mark.

It was a truly magnificent strike that was totally out of place in a game that up to that point had been high on effort but low on quality.

As far as Carlisle were concerned it was the worst thing Murphy could have done as his goal awakened the slumbering Shakers who went on to seal the game in a sensational two minute spell.

Bury had good cause to feel aggrieved at going behind as Chris Billy's challenge on former Bolton reserve Ryan Baldacchino that earned the free kick looked anything but an infringement.

But they got back on level terms in the 73rd minute thanks to another tremendous set piece, this time from Preece himself.

His left footed effort, awarded after Murphy had upended the Bury boss on the edge of the box, flew into the top corner of Matt Glennon's goal and had the ecstatic manager making a 60 yard celebration charge to the Bury supporters.

"I was delighted with that. I fancy every one I take at the minute,"grinned Preece.

"I just whacked it, but you do have to make sure you hit the target."

Two minutes later Bury stunned the home fans by going in front when Lee Unsworth bravely headed home Chris Billy's left wing cross.

The Gigg Lane men haven't been involved in a no-score draw for 27 games but this encounter looked certain to break that sequence until the Cumbrians took the lead.

In a nip-and-tuck first period there were little in the way of goal chances although Glyn Garner had to be on his toes to block an effort from Craig Farrell then Danny Swailes hacked clear a follow up effort from Carlisle's debutant striker Paul Robinson.

Preece admitted he had gone for experience in his team selection and picked himself, Steve Redmond, Liam George and Lenny Johnrose ahead of the likes of Matt Barrass, Ian Lawson and Paul O'Shaughnessy.

It paid off handsomely as their battling display ended a run of four straight victories for Roddy Collins' side.

Once the Shakers got their noses in front the game began to open up and both goals had close shaves.

Stat attack: Garner, Stuart, Swailes, Nelson, Unsworth, Billy, Preece (O'Shaughnessy 81), Redmond, George (Nugent 61), Newby Johnrose. Subs not used: Lawson, Woodthorpe and Forrest.

Referee: Mr C. Webster (Tyne & Wear)

Attendance: 4,678

Carlisle were left rueing an effort that was disallowed for a foul on

Garner and the Shakers keeper did superbly well to block a late strike from the home side's best performer, Leon Osman.

That said it wasn't all one-way traffic. In the final minutes young substitute Dave Nugent again showed what a blossoming talent he is with his speed and direct running while Jon Newby had three glorious chances to settle any late nerves putting firing either side of the post and seeing Glennon block another.

It was just one of those days for the frustrated Bury leading scorer who nevertheless received the backing of his manager after the game.

"I've no complaints at all about Jon," he said.

"I thought he looked back to his best today.

"He put in a lot of work, did a lot of unselfish running and got in dangerous positions. He caused them problems throughout the game."