CHRIS Brass was beaming with pride on Saturday after his Bury side claimed a crucial victory against fellow strugglers Swindon at Gigg Lane.

The Shakers bounced back from the previous weekend’s disappointing defeat to Shrewbury by narrowly seeing off the Robins thanks to James Vaughan’s 18th strike of the season.

The in-form front man, League One’s third top scorer, netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after referee Mark Brown spotted a foul on Tom Pope as he jostled with defenders at a corner.

Vaughan’s eighth goal in five games helped fire Bury to within one point of safety, but it was the overall performance from the hosts that delighted the Shakers' head coach.

“It was hard work but it was always going to be hard work,” said Brass. “As disappointed as I was last week I am proud of that commitment, the desire and work to keep a clean sheet. They did what I asked.

“In fairness to Popey, and Popey’s as honest as anyone, he said the lad had hold of him and the referee’s right on top of it.

“I’ve got to be honest I didn’t see it, I cannot pretend I did. However, Tom was adamant and the referee was.

“Credit to James – goals don’t just come. After every training session he stays out and takes penalties.

“Popey is right on his case and waiting to take one if he misses. He deserves the credit and the goals.”

The game was tight and tactical throughout with Brass experimenting with a 5-3-2 formation that limited the chances created by both sides.

The aim was clear, after Bury went into the game on the back of just one clean sheet in their previous 31 matches.

It became a midfield battle as the relegation rivals treated it like a must-not-lose encounter rather than a must-win.

Brass was pleased to see his experimental back five remain secure, and reserved praise for on-loan Huddersfield keeper Joe Murphy, who organised the defence well and showed great presence to command his box, even though he only had two real saves to make on his debut for the Gigg Lane outfit.

“It (changing formation) was something I have been toying with and wanted to do for a while,” said Brass. “That’s why we have brought in a number of defenders and cover. It (a 5-3-2 system) suits different players.

“We will flip and change it, we won’t just do it every week. But it was good to get a clean sheet.

"Credit to Joe Murphy, you have seen why I have brought him into the building.

“He has good experience, he organises very well and prides himself on keeping the ball out of the net, not just in games but in training as well.

“Your successes are drawn on clean sheets.

"I know we are going to score goals, but keeping clean sheets is something we have got to keep working hard on.

"We need to make sure we can keep the ball out of the net.”

Match ratings

Bury (5-3-2): Murphy 7; Moore 6, Kay 8, Barnett 7, C Burgess 8, Leigh 8; Brown 6, Mellis 7, S Burgess 7 (Tutte 60, 7); Pope 7 (G Miller 67, 6), Vaughan 7 (Hope 90, 6).

Not used: Lainton, Deslandes, Pennant, Lowe.

Swindon (4-4-2): Vigouroux; Dabo, Thompson, Conroy, Branco; Brophy, Ince, Colkett, Gladwin; Hylton (Obika 60), Ajose.

Not used: Henry, Thomas, Rodgers, Kasim, Goddard, Ormonde-Ottewill.

Referee: Mark Brown (East Yorkshire).

Attendance: 2,713 (214 visiting).