DARREN Bullock headed a third goal in four games to salvage a point for the Shakers that was the least they deserved.

It was a draw that maybe wasn't on the cards after a lacklustre first half display but Andy Preece's men were full value for their booty after a much improved second half performance.

The revitalised Bullock, who may have joined non league Rushden & Diamonds at the end of last season, is loving every minute of the new campaign that has seen the Shakers surge to second place in the table.

"I'm really enjoying myself this season," he said. "The gaffer has encouraged me to get forward and among the goals and it seems to be working.

"I got seven or eight with my head when I was at Huddersfield but playing with Paul Reid helps, he has a sweet left foot and his corners and free kicks are superb."

Preece admitted having to give Bullock a "bit of a roasting" at half time but he wasn't the only one to have been on the end of an ear bashing.

Newly-promoted Posh enjoyed far too much time on the ball and in Ritchie Hanlon, Tony Shields and David Farrell had three busy midfielders that were allowed to dictate.

It was Hanlon who had a hand in Posh's goal on the half hour when he side-stepped a couple of challenges before feeding striker Andy Clarke.

Chris Swailes dispossessed the former Wimbledon man but dwelled on the ball too long allowing Clarke to set up Francis Green who drove low and hard past Paddy Kenny.

A half-time tongue-lashing from Preece totally transformed the game.

Suddenly the Posh midfield were denied the time and space and the Shakers clicked into the kind of form that has lit up the past three matches.

Seconds after the restart Bhutia raced past Rea but fired an angled drive wide with only Tyler to beat, then seven minutes later he saw a diving header rocket into the side netting from Littlejohn's cross.

After 71 minutes when referee Paul Alcock waved play-on when Rea clearly brought down Chris Billy in the box it looked like being one of those days for the Shakers.

But justice was done seven minutes later when Edwards upended Littlejohn on the edge of the penalty area.

Nick Daws stepped up and curled a marvellous effort that was bound for the top corner before Tyler acrobatically palmed over the bar.

Then from Paul Reid's spot kick Bullock reacted first to superbly convert at the near post, from there on only one team was likely to take all three points.

BURY FORMGUIDE: Kenny 8, Barrass 8, C. Swailes 7, Redmond 7, Collins 8, Billy 8, Daws 7, Bullock 7, Bhutia 7 (Crowe, 86), Littlejohn 7 (Preece, 90), Reid 7. Subs not used: James, Forrest & D. Swailes. Attendance: 5,286