A BUMPER crowd turned out to watch Radcliffe narrowly defeated by a young Bury side, Saul Shotton heading the only goal of the game at the Neuven Stadium.

It was Radcliffe that started the better but, after Bury keeper Colin McCabe had come up with a fine save, Carl Peers was off-target after a well-placed corner had picked him out 20 minutes in.

Bury started to force their way into the game as the first half drew on but it was the home team going closer to a goal, one of their unnamed trialists putting his header at full stretch wide.

Bury came out for the second half looking to try to get more of the possession and almost went in front after a cross from the right picked out Rob Harker but his header was well caught by Kyle Haslam.

Shotton headed the Shakers’ winning goal in the 55th minute, beating Haslam with a firm finish.

Haslam kept the deficit to one when Douglas Nyaupembe had a crack at goal, the keeper pulling off a fantastic diving save.

Bury comfortably dominated possession after that chance and saw out the game with few openings created at either end.

Radcliffe complete their pre-season programme with the visit of Stalybridge Celtic this Saturday.