A LETHARGIC start against relegation rivals Dukinfield cost AFC Bury dear.

Dukinfield, who started the match level on points with Bury in the Manchester League Premier Division, but with four games in hand, swept into a 3-0 lead in the first 30 minutes.

It could have been more, but for the heroics of Bury keeper Gav Campbell as the visitors out-fought and out-played the home side on a heavy Camms Lane pitch.

Steve Simms gave Bury a glimmer of hope on the hour, slotting home from the spot after Mark Sandham had been upended in the box.

Tino Blake was then unlucky with a rising drive, but the visitors continued to stifle Bury and the fightback fizzled out.

Bury remain third bottom, with three teams set to be relegated.