Bury took on Sale in their second pre-season game on Saturday.

With seven first team players missing, Bury fielding another weakened team but acquitted themselves well in the first half as they kept Sale’s threat to a minimum.

The hosts also created some good chances through James Oakes, right, and a short corner attempt from David Hodbod.

However, in the last seconds of the half, a quick break down the right allowed Sale to find an unmarked forward at the far post who edged the visitors in front.

Poor marking on the left wing allowed a Sale runner to drift in at the far post for another easy tap-in and, with Bury now trying to commit more men forward, they were hit on the break and conceded three more goals despite the best efforts of keeper Jonny Howard.

While the result seems one-sided, Bury are not too downhearted, knowing many senior players are yet to return.