BURY'S first team endured a miserable weekend crashing to back-to-back defeats in the league and cup.

The senior side slipped to third place in Division Three North after throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to Leyland on Saturday, before crashing out of the Lancashire Cup against Warrington on Sunday.

With the hosts dominating the opening 10 minutes against Leyland in a close encounter at Castlebrook High School, it came as no surprise when James Oakes’ close range finish gave Bury the lead following a flowing right-wing move.

Although Leyland forced their way back into the game, winning a series of short corners, good defensive work kept the visitors at bay.

Bury doubled their advantage when in-form midfielder Sam Nicholson grabbed his third goal in as many games.

However Leyland pulled a goal back just before the break when they converted a short corner.

The hosts were unable to convert chances into goals early in the second half and impressive defensive work from Rob Bradburn and Ahtisham Khan kept Leyland from threatening Jonathan Howard’s goal.

However, midway through the second period a quick right-wing break allowed Leyland to grab an equaliser with a shot that somehow sneaked in from a narrow angle and with eight minutes remaining, a hopeful reverse stick shot from a Leyland forward wrong-footed Howard and sneaked in to the net.

The senior side suffered cup heartbreak on Sunday when they went down 4-3 at home to Division Four side Warrington.

Following a tight goalless first half the game sprang into life early in the second period when Warrington ripped through the midfield to score the opener after Bury had given away possession.

A second goal for the visitors galvanised the hosts into action as Rob Bradburn converted a short corner, before James Oakes levelled the scores. A first Bury goal for new boy Adam Friend gave the Bury the lead but two late goals secured an unexpected but deserved victory for Warrington.