BURY Girls and Ladies rounded off their best season in more than a decade with a 2-1 win at home to Workington Reds.

The Shakers secured a third-place finish in Division One North of the North West Women's Regional League with their 11th win of the season.

Their 34 points was the highest total for 12 years while they lost just four games, after only winning four last season.

Shaun Ellison, club vice chairman, said: “This season has exceeded all our expectations.

"The team and the coaching staff have worked very hard to achieve this season’s result and to get to the position where they are now.

"We are looking forward to next season and progressing even further under manager Paul Iannaccone.”

Bury spent much of the campaign in top spot but slipped out of the promotion places following a number of damaging defeats at the tail end of the season.

They are just two points behind leaders Sir Tom Finney, who have two games left to play, and level on points with second-placed Penrith AFC, who have played 13 of their 16 fixtures.

Saturday's final league match was played on a soggy pitch, but Bury flew out of the blocks, with Jordan Bailey banging in two goals inside the opening 15 minutes.

Both goals were well worked, but the second was spectacular.

The ball was passed around until Hulda Sigurðardóttir saw an opportunity and chipped it over the Workington defence before Bailey caught the ball perfectly to fire it into the top corner.

Workington got one goal back on 27 minutes and the rest of the game descended into a battle in the mud.

The visiting keeper had a great game to keep the score down, but Bury were never under any real pressure at the back and comfortably saw out the game to finish nine points clear of Workington in fourth.

Lucy Golding, club captain, said: “The aim was to finish in the top half this season, so to finish third is exceptional.

"It’s been an excellent season – we’ve gone from strength to strength.

"Preparation for games has been key to fantastic team performances, which is down to the hard work and support of our coaches and the club, and the dedication of our truly outstanding players.”

While the league campaign may be over, Bury host Manchester Stingers on Sunday in the semi-finals of the Argyle Cup, kick off 2pm.