The first team travelled to Kendal on Saturday, as second took on fourth, in a crunch clash at the top of Division Four.

Both sides looked to play attacking, passing hockey and an end to end game ensued with both keepers being tested in the first half. Bury keeper, Jonny Howard, made some key saves in the first half, alertly closing down some dangerous chances for Kendal.

At the other end, the Bury strike force of Luke Fidler, James Oakes and Simon Major, pictured, tested the home keeper on several occasions, and were supported well by midfield debutant Piers Smith-Hughes.

Bury took the lead midway through the half, as a well worked short corner saw Luke Fidler flick home his 25th goal of the season. Kendal responded with more pressure on the Bury defence, but despite having a lot of possession, they failed to breach the hardworking Bury back line. The second half saw Kendal push hard for an equaliser, as Bury’s passing faltered, with Howard again making some key saves for the visitors. Kendal did gain an equaliser after a deflected shot wrong-footed the unfortunate Howard, and rolled into the bottom corner.

Bury responded well, with Fidler coming to the fore. His dribbling and close control saw Kendal struggle to contain him, as Bury tried to edge back in front. It was Fidler who moved Bury back in front, but the goal owed much to the work of David Barlass on the right wing. His determined run, past six opposition players, gave Fidler the opportunity to again display his close control and quick thinking as he buried a reverse stick strike beyond the stranded Kendal keeper, with less than 10 minutes remaining. Bury closed out the game, to seal an important three points, as they moved seven points clear of third-placed Lancaster and Morecambe, who head to Parrenthorn next Saturday.