NICK Daws' six-yard miss when unmarked cost Bury a point, after they had allowed Anton Rogan to strike from 25 yards in the first half.

Bury's defence had a torrid time for the initial 45 minutes, with Chris Lucketti and Dean West often outnumbered and unable to tackle midfield dynamo Bobby Bowry and left back Rogan, as they surged through midfield and down the flanks.

The crosses continued to rain in from the Lions, while Bury's Rob Matthews and Mark Carter were rarely able to get a shot at goal, let alone keep the ball for their side. It was only a matter of time before Millwall opened the scoring on 22 minutes. Bowry was again allowed ample room near the penalty box and given time to line up the unmarked Rogan for a shot. He coolly hit a dipping left foot chip over the despairing Dean Kiely to make it 1-0.

The one goal half-time deficit could have been worse but for good saves and last gasp clearances by Kiely and Lucketti from shots by Newman and Neill.

Bury were a transformed side in the second half and it was their turn to worry the opposition's defence constantly on the counter-attack.

The Shakers had chances to draw level through skipper David Pugh. His long passes into space often left the Millwall defence gaping as David Johnson, Rob Matthews and Daws, all had sight of goal. But they were either thwarted by brave goalkeeping or by their own poor finishing.

Daws was involved in the two incidents which could have made the result palatable for the 204 Bury fans.

On 59 minutes, the referee turned down demands for a penalty against goalkeeper Tim Carter. A minute later, Daws was unmarked from point-blank range, with the keeper stranded, but he amazingly lifted the ball over the empty net.

Bury's best chance of a draw had gone, as had second place in Division Two, which was handed to Millwall. As manager Stan Ternent said, "We got out of the game what we deserved, which was nothing." BURY FORMGUIDE: Kiely 7; West 6; Pugh 8; Daws 7; Lucketti 6; Jackson 6 (Jepson HT); Butler 6; Johnson 7; Carter 7; Johnrose 6; Rob Matthews 8. Subs: Hughes (unused); Jepson 5; Woodward (for Jepson 57 mins) 7. Attendance 6,447.

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