NATHAN Cameron’s first goal of the season clinched a third straight win for Bury that moved them into the League One play-off places.

But the Shakers captain singled out a brave challenge by centre-back partner Peter Clarke as the real match-winner in what was their maiden victory of the campaign at Gigg Lane.

The visitors soaked up early pressure and frustrated the home side, while in barrel-chested striker Uche Ikpeazu they had an awkward customer to deal with up front.

He looked set to steal the points on 76 minutes when he pulled the trigger, but there was Clarke, diving full length at his feet to pull off a magnificent block to deny him a clear shot on goal.

And such are the small margins that can separate games, two minutes later the Shakers were ahead when Cameron went up the other end to score the winner.

“That won us the game I think,” said Bury skipper Cameron, referring to Clarke’s challenge.

“It was such an important challenge late on. It was still 0-0 at the time and it gave us the chance to go up the other end and get the goal. I thought he was brilliant today, the whole back four were against a very awkward striker.

“It was a very difficult game.

“They are a decent team in this league and we were just happy to get the three points.”

David Flitcroft’s in-form side had the upper hand in the first half as Valiants keeper Jak Alnwick made two great saves in quick succession to keep out 20-yard strikes from Danny Mayor and Jacob Mellis.

Alnwick was also wise to the danger as Tom Soares fed Mellis with a ball in behind the Vale defence, rushing out to charge down his attempt on goal.

But Ikpeazu was a handful for the Shakers’ back-line, forcing Rob Lainton into a smart save at his near post after outmuscling Clarke near the byline.

Chris Hussey’s pinpoint delivery from set-pieces was a feature of the match, and Reece Brown came closest to converting one in the opening half after putting an improvised volley just wide.

In a second half of few chances, Clarke’s diving block looked set to be the highlight before Cameron rose highest to power Hussey’s corner past Alnwick, who got his hands to the ball but could not keep it out.

The three points moved Bury up to sixth in the table.