GRAHAM Barrow is starting to believe the soccer gods are conspiring against him.

Despite a welcome point from the Sixfields Stadium, the Shakers boss found all the positive points quickly cancelled out.

On the plus side, Bury produced a far more resolute performance than recent weeks, particularly after the dismal home display against Carlisle.

Skipper Dave Challinor returned to form and Simon Whaley showed why some believe he will soon be following in the footsteps of David Nugent and Colin Kazim-Richards to a higher grade of football.

But a head injury to Neil Edwards leaves the keeper doubtful for Saturday's must-win game with Boston when Barrow could be without three main strikers.

Jon Newby and Matthew Tipton missed the trip to Northampton due to injury. So, the last thing Barrow needed was for Allan Smart to get himself sent-off again.

Just back from a three-game ban, Smart was booked in the first half and then swore himself to a straight red after 65 minutes.

He now faces a further three-match stint on the sidelines though Bury may yet appeal. Smart reacted angrily when a strong challenge from Sean Dyche went unpunished and he was penalised instead by referee Darren Deadman.

But while there was provocation, a player of Smart's experience should have known better.

"I am concerned about the referee's general display, particularly in the second half," said Barrow who felt the Shakers should have had a penalty for handball against Gavin Johnson.

"I'm not saying we need help, but we need it to be fair play for both sides."

"I believe Smart said something to the linesman and at the moment he is a loose cannon and I do not know what to do about him.

"The referee has apologised for getting the initial decision wrong because the lad nearly broke Smarts leg in two.

"But he was sent off for what he has said to the linesman.

"However, there were many positives to take from the game. We looked like we were at the back end of last season. That sort of defending will see us climbing the table because it will give us chances to win games."

Whaley scored an excellent goal after 25 minutes to give the Shakers a deserved lead.

Edwards protected the lead with a fine save from David Hunt just before half-time. But he was hurt during the build up to the move and lasted only four minutes of the second half.

That gave a chance to ex-Leigh and Stalybridge Celtic keeper Craig Dootson. And there was nothing he could do eight minutes from time when substitute Ryan Gilligan steered in an Ian Taylor knock down for an equaliser.

Bury: Edwards (Dootson 49), Scott, Challinor, Sedgmore, Hardiker, Mattis, Flitcroft, Barry-Murphy,Whaley, Smart; subs not used: Fitzgerald, Youngs, Barlow, Buchanan.

Attendance: 5,147. (123 from Bury).