A depleted Bury 11 struggled to a two-all draw with neighbours Bolton in their final game before the Christmas break.

Missing a host of players, the home side struggled to get their passing game going, but still managed to take the lead through a James Oakes strike mid-way through the first half.

However, Bolton equalised with a well taken short corner and took the lead moments just before half time with another well worked short corner strike.

The second half saw Bury push for an equaliser, but this left them exposed at the back, and only a fantastic performance from goalkeeper Jonathan Howard kept Bury in the game, as he pulled off several top class saves.

Finally, Bury drew level with another Oakes short corner strike, his 27th of the season already, as the point were eventually shared, despite Bury having to finish the game with 10 men due to David Brown’s injury.

A four goal haul from Tony Sanderson and another strike from David Whiteside saw the men’s second team come out on top in a nine goal thriller at Preston. The result keeps the team in fourth place in Division 5 North, leaving them just outside the promotion places.

The third team consolidated third place in Division Six North with a comfortable win over Urmston on Saturday. Two goals from Daniel Scarfe and another from Chris Lowe ensured that the third team went into the Christmas break with back to back victories and clean sheets.