BOSTON UNITED 1, SHAKERS 1: A LAST minute equaliser meant that Bury had to settle for a point when they really should have taken all three at league newcomers Boston United writes JAMES BENTLEY.

The Shakers always had the best of a hard fought game despite a lacklustre start in which either team failed to make any significant breakthrough.

The best chance of the half was a free kick taken by Manchester City loanee Terry Dunfield, a smart, quickly taken free kick which the veteran keeper Bastock in the Boston goal only just managed to tip over the bar.

The chance gave Bury the impetus they needed as they began to push forward looking for the opening goal.

However, the strong Boston backline remained resolute in keeping the score even at half time.

Bury began the second half spurred on by what must have been a stern talking to from boss Andy Preece, and it worked wonders as Jon Newby fired the opening goal just three minutes into the second period.

Martyn Forrest found Newby on the inside left channel and the ex-Liverpool striker took his tally to four for the season as he curled an impressive shot past Bastock.

Bury had further chances, with many falling to Pawel Abbot, but the loan striker from Preston failed to capitalise, allowing Boston a chance to get back in the game.

The Pilgrims pressure became more and more urgent, and Glynn Garner had to be at his most alert to dive down to his right to beat away another quickly taken set piece eight minutes from time.

Boston eventually got their reward with what proved to be the last kick of the game.

Jamie Stuart made a clumsy challenge on the edge of the area, and from the resulting free kick, Warbuton headed against the bar.

With Garner stranded on the floor, Simon Weatherstone was first to react as he smashed the ball home to earn an undeserved point for the hosts.

After the game, Preece was an angry man: "We haven't been able to kill a game off, it's just not good enough," he said.

"We should be top of this league, not mid-table. We've got to learn to play for 93 or 94 minutes," he added.

BURY

Glynn Garner ................... 7

Jamie Stuart ................... 6

Michael Nelson ................... 7

Lee Unsworth ................... 6

Martyn Forrest ................... 6

Chris Billy ................... 5

Steve Redmond ................... 6

Pawel Abbot ................... 8

Terry Dunfield ................... 7

Colin Woodthorpe .................. 6

Jon Newby ................... 7

Subs: Preece, Nugent, George, Swailes, Barrass

Yellow cards: Dunfield (70), Unsworth (90)

BOSTON UNITED: Bastock, Hocking, Gould, Warburton, Greaves (Angel, 50),

Rusk, Ellender (Cook, 80), Burton (Douglas, 53), Clare, Weatherstone,

Redfearn. Subs not used: Conroy, Clifford.

Yellow cards: Douglas (79)

REFEREE: Mr. G. Frankland

ATT: 2,790