BURY cemented their position in the League Two play-off places with a well-deserved victory at promotion rivals Plymouth.

Former Exeter striker Danny Nardiello headed the Shakers in front just after the hour mark and a late second for Danny Rose sealed an important three points that moved them above their hosts into sixth place.

John Sheridan’s Argyle side went into the match above Bury on goal difference after recording four straight wins.

But they lost top scorer Reuben Reid to a foot injury in the week and rarely posed a threat to the Shakers’ disciplined back line.

On-loan Bury defender Adam El-Abd headed the best chance of the first half narrowly wide from a Chris Hussey corner, while Nicky Adams had an angled strike from inside the box blocked by Plymouth stopper Luke McCormick.

Bury keeper Nick Pope made three regulation saves to keep out long-range shots in the opening 45 minutes but was beaten after the break when Lewis Alessandra volleyed home for Argyle, only to be rightly flagged for offside.

He also had a second effort ruled out in similar circumstances in stoppage time but by that time the Shakers were out of sight.

The tide turned on the Devon coast in the 62nd minute as Bury hit their hosts on the break.

A chipped cross from Adams to the far post was perfectly placed for Nardiello to glance home, sealing his 100th career goal and 25th for Bury.

It was a broadside that sank Argyle's chances and Bury picked them off again in the 90th minute, with sliding home a second goal from close range after running in from the right flank.

It sealed a third straight win and moved David Flitcroft's side to within five points of the automatic promotion places as third-placed Wycombe could only draw at home to Stevenage.