HALLAM Hope scored his and Bury's first goal of pre-season as they drew 1-1 away to Southport on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, who spent the majority of last season on loan at Carlisle, is set to play a big part for the Shakers this year and reminded the travelling 176 Bury fans exactly what he was about with a superb curling finish midway through the second half.

Southport equalised five minutes later through Ben Jago to leave Bury still searching for their first win in pre-season.

Star striker Leon Clarke, who was the subject of a bid from Sheffield United earlier in the week, was absent from the squad.

Former Leeds and Rotherham centre-back Simon Lenighan was the only trialist for Bury, but he failed to make an appearance off the bench.

Bury dominated the first period and signalled their intent from the off. Jacob Mellis turned a fired over from distance in the opening couple of minutes, and the hugely impressive Craig Jones sent a number of tantalising crosses into the penalty area.

The first clearcut chance arrived on the 12th minute when Jones played a one-two with Tom Pope before having his shot saved by the legs of Tyrell Belford.

Hope was the next to break Southport's high-line but he fired wide, as did Pope when he connected with Mellis' cross.

Nicky Clark should have sent the Shakers into the break ahead but after picking up a loose ball on the edge of the box he fired wide. Moments before Belford made a superb stop down to his left to deny the former Rangers front man.

The second half began much tighter than the first, but after manager David Flitcroft rang the changes midway through Bury became injected with fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Centre-back Niall Maher sent a spectacular overhead kick straight at the goalkeeper minutes after his introduction.

And Hope put the visitors ahead on the 71st minute with a curling effort that flew straight into the top corner.

The forward nearly doubled his and Bury's tally when he burst past three challenges but his shot from inside the penalty area was deflected over the bar.

Ben Williams was forced into his first save of the afternoon and it was well worth the wait – flying to his left to tip Ashley Grimes' free-kick on to the post.

But the rebound fell straight to the feet of substitute Ben Jago who tucked home the equaliser with his first touch.

Straight from the restart Bury introduced George Miller and the young forward raced through on goal and perhaps had too much time when he shot straight at Belford.

The Shakers pressed for a winner late on but Southport's resilience paid dividends as both sides were forced to settle for a draw.