BURY battled back after conceding from an early penalty to earn a vital point at fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers.

John-Joe O’Toole put the home side in front from the spot in only the fourth minute after Shaun Beeley had brought down Eliot Richards in the box.

But Rotherham loanee Danny Hylton opened his account for Ronnie Jepson’s side 10 minutes before the break, tapping in after the Rovers keeper had fumbled a Shaun Harrad header.

New signing Danny Nardiello, also on loan from Rotherham, replaced Harrad midway through the second half but could not force a much-needed winner.

And, as the game became stretched in the closing stages, Bury keeper Brian Jensen was on hand to make some crucial saves to protect the draw.

The result saw the Shakers move up one place to 21st in the League Two table.

But Jepson could yet count the cost of a brave display. After losing centre-back Richard Hinds to a head injury in the first half, his replacement, William Edjenguele, suffered a deep cut, also to his head.

Both defenders must now be rated as doubtful for Tuesday's FA Cup first round match at home to Cambridge United.