ONE draw doesn't necessarily signal an upturn in fortunes, but at least one point is better than none.

Emerging from much-fancied Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium with a point - gained without current first choice strikers Jon Newby and Matty Tipton - will hopefully be the first step in climbing away from the League Two relegation zone.

Bury led through a Simon Whaley goal and seemed to have regained focus and passion and, but for specific circumstances, they may well have emerged with a win.

"We could and should have won," said under-fire manager, Graham Barrow.

"We were back to the way we were playing during our better spells last year. We stopped them in their tracks, made them look totally ineffective and then went on and almost emerged with three points.

"Northampton wouldn't have been most people's choice of opponents but I fancied our chances beforehand, I could tell the lads were on the ball and sometimes when you are really up against it, it takes tough opposition to bring out the best in you."

But it was not all champagne and roses against the Cobblers.

Goalkeeper Neil Edwards suffered concussion after making a superb first half save and was replaced in the second half by Craig Dootson, who made his football league bow.

Fortunately, after a couple of days rest he returned to training on Tuesday and looks set to reclaim his place between the posts.

The major headache for Barrow is striker Allan Smart, who was sent off again, this time for a second yellow card offence.

He will now serve his second three game ban - two games for foul and abusive language and an extra game for being dismissed twice.

"I have said what I think about the matter, now it is down to the directors," said Barrow.

"In my view he has breeched the club's disciplinary code. The really annoying thing was he had been playing quite well up until that second yellow card, but he then went and made a mess of things again.

"He had told us he was getting cramp so we asked him to stay on for just another two minutes, then he gets sent off, knowing he was coming off anyway, it was very irresponsible.

"I am past the point of being annoyed and angry with him, I felt it for the players who had worked so hard to get us a result.

"It is certainly not the kind of start any player would want to make at a new club and I would have thought the least he can now expect is a club fine.

"I will defend a player for something like a mistimed tackle but I can't defend this kind of behaviour, especially from a senior player."

With the club's director in charge of football affairs, Ian Harrop, publicly stating that he will be reviewing the team's situation in three games time, Barrow's future and that of his playing staff is clearly on the line.

"But this result will only be a turning point if we make it one, it is up to us," admitted Barrow.

"There were signs that some of our big players were back to their best. The prime example was like Dave Challinor. He has showed what a good pro he is by responding in the right manner to what has been said to him.

"Jake Sedgemore also made an impression. He steadied us down, distributed the ball well and was what you want in a new player. He has been patient, worked hard, waited for his opportunity and then got on with his job.

As for the visit of Boston United on Saturday, the Shakers will definitely be missing Jon Newby, although the other striking doubt, Tipton, may be available

If not it will be a case of perming any two from Tom Youngs, who played in the reserves on Wednesday, Stuart Barlow and Simon Whaley.

"Simon played further up the field against Northampton and looked very comfortable in a striking role, after all that is where he began his career," said Barrow.

"Boston, along with Cheltenham, are probably the most physical teams in the division, but smaller lads can be a real nuisance for big, physical defenders.

"If we are to continue moving in the right direction we have to get another result, and another, and another."