Oxford United 1 Bury 0 Match report y Phil Thorp BURY need to find their shooting boots -- and fast!

The Shakers drew a blank in front of goal for the second time in a week and gifted struggling Oxford their first win of the campaign.

Denis Smith's side had picked up only one point from their first six games but a goal from substitute Jamie Cook kick-started their season.

Cook, who describes Bury as his "lucky team" is making a habit of doing the business against Andy Preece's men.

Back in March, he scored an injury time winner at Gigg Lane seconds after Nick Daws had scored a late leveller.

But the Shakers have only themselves to blame for making him Lord of the Manor Ground.

Following on from last Tuesday's jaded display against Colchester, Bury failed to take the game by the scruff of the net against a side low in confidence and there for the taking.

Preece said: "Oxford were just waiting for us to beat them.

"I'm bitterly disappointed with that result.

"We are lacking a bit of spark at the moment and I expect us to play better than that.

"It was an improved second half performance but still not what I expect.

"We had some good possession but we're slipping up in front of goal and aren't taking our chances at the right time."

The right time on Saturday would have been a minute before Cook's winner when substitute Martin Forrest rounded off a fine move by volleying over Matt Barrass's pinpoint cross from eight yards with only the goalkeeper to beat.

It was the best chance the Shakers carved out in the game.

Unbeknown to him, the midfielder had plenty of time and space to bring the ball down and convert.

Seconds later, the ball was at the other end and nestling in Paddy Kenny's goal after Cook cut inside from the right and curled a measured left foot shot just inside the post.

In a first half that was grim to say the least, the Shakers best openings were from Sam Collins' lengthy throw-ins which caused consternation in the home ranks whenever he launched them.

However, they had the ball in the net in first half stoppage time when Chris Swailes headed home from close range after Paul Reid picked him out at the far post.

A linesman's flag for offside soon curtailed the celebrations.

Preece's half time rollocking spurred his men to better things after the break but it was still lacklustre stuff.

Lack of a quality final ball let them down on numerous occasions and when they did hit the target they just didn't get the rub of the green.

Nick Daws saw Richard Knight pull off a superb save from his powerful low shot following a quick raid then Chris Swailes had a goalbound header cleared off the line by Neil McGowan with Knight beaten.

The game would have had a more flattering scoreline for the home side had they taken advantage of a penalty kick, awarded after Chris Swailes had upended former Shakers loanee Derek Lilley in the box.

But Paddy Kenny enhanced his growing reputation with a magnificent save from man-of-the-match Joey Beauchamp, guessing right to palm away the Oxford man's well struck effort.

Preece said: "The game probably turned on Fozzy's chance.

"It's unfortunate that it had to be him because at least he made the effort to get into the box which is what I've been asking.

"You can't expect defenders to hang on for 90 minutes if we're not going to put the ball in the net.

"If we'd have gone in front Oxford would have been on a downer and I'm sure we'd have won the game." BURY FORMGUIDE: Kenny 7, Barrass 8, Daws 7, Collins 7, C. Swailes 7, Reid 6 (Preece, 62), Bullock 6 (Forrest, 62), Redmond 7, Littlejohn 6, Billy 7, Crowe 6 (Bhutia, 75). Subs not used: Barrick & James.

REFEREE: Mr K. D. Hill (Royston, Herts)

ATTENDANCE: 3,676 Must do better says skipper BURY skipper Nick Daws, reckoned Saturday's display at the Manor Ground was unacceptable if the Shakers are to become a force in Division Two.

Oxford's first win of the campaign will have given them a major boost but Daws believes the Shakers let them off the hook.

He said: "I think Oxford probably believe they got out of jail.

"They probably expected a lot more from us and we didn't provide it for them.

"But if you don't perform you don't deserve to take anything from games.

"We only played to about 70 per cent of our ability and should have won the game comfortably.

"Paddy kept us in the match with his penalty save but it was unfortunate that we didn't get one at the other end.

"Their keeper pulled off a couple of good saves but some of our deliveries into the box were as bad as they've been this season and that contributed to us losing."

Despite the defeat Daws, the club's longest serving player, has been pleased with the encouraging start to the season.

He said: "Although I was unhappy with my first half at Oxford, I'm really enjoying my football again.

"I've now have a regular midfield partner in Chris Billy --something I've not had since Lenny Johnrose left the club -- and that helps your game.

"We have a great bunch of lads and it helps to have a good dressing room atmosphere.

"We are passing the ball well and I'm sure we're capable of doing something in this division."