BURY's men tightened their grip on the Summer League this week with a convincing 8-2 win against Preston.

James Oakes played the starring role grabbing five goals, including one in the opening 30 seconds of the game – finishing from close range after good work from Simon Major.

With Major, James Larmett and Ian Hillary all chipping in with a goal each the result was never in doubt.

Bury, who are three points clear at the top of the table with three games remaining, play their final two games against third-placed Lytham and second-placed Morecambe in what promises to be a tightly-contested run-in.

The mixed team’s good run of form came to an end when they narrowly lost 3-1 away at league winners Prescot.

Despite battling well throughout – with Dan Taylor pulling off a number of saves and Emma Bailey putting in a fine defensive performance – Bury were unable to convert the chances they created at the other end.

Toby Carr-Brown’s strike was all the visitors could muster as Bury ended the season on a disappointing note following a run of positive displays.