BURY’S youth side stormed to the top of the Footlball League Youth Alliance North West with a 4-0 mauling of local rivals Rochdale.

Ryan Kidd’s Under-18s had the game sewn up by half-time after goals from Marcus Poscha, Raquarn Crosdale and Jake Durham put them 3-0 ahead before the break.

And Brayden Shaw finished off a clever through ball from strike partner Anthony Dudley in the second half to underline the Shakers’ dominance.

A 13th win of the campaign against a Dale side that started the day in third place helped Bury leapfrog Wigan Athletic to open up and one-point lead at the top of the table.

Bury continue a tough run of recent fixtures at fourth-placed Tranmere, where they will look to extend their stay at the league summit.