BURY returned to winning ways following last week’s disappointing defeat to Morecambe, which saw them surrender the lead in the North West Summer League.

They overcame a dogged Preston side on Thursday, despite missing Simon Major and Ian Hillary.

The home side dominated the match and, but for an excellent performance from the Preston keeper, would have won by a much greater margin.

James Oakes squandered several first-half chances, with new boy Toby Carr-Brown also being denied on more than one occasion.Defensively, they looked sound, with goalkeeper Dan Taylor occasionally called upon, producing two good saves late in the first half.

Eventually, mid-way through the second half, Bury finally found the net as Oakes robbed a defender and found the bottom corner with a somewhat scuffed finish.

Moments later Oakes thought he had doubled the lead, but the goal was ruled out following a foul by the Bury forward.

Despite some late Preston pressure, the Bury back line held firm to help the side stay within touching distance of leaders Morecambe, who also won.