A DEPLETED Bury side crashed to their second consecutive league defeat at Burnley on Saturday.

Following a disappointing result but high-spirited performance in their opening game against Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire North a fortnight ago, Bury were hoping to claim their first win of the season at ninth-placed Burnley.

But with several first team players out injured, a young Radcliffe Road side lost 50-0.

An early overhit kick from Bury found touch and gave the home side a scrum on the halfway line but Burnley were unable to capitalise.

The hosts finally unlocked the Bury defence in the 15th minute when a clever switch ball allowed Burnley to score under the posts.

Bury continued to face an onslaught of attacks but were rarely able to gain possession, due in part to a well-drilled opposition and the referees interpretation at the breakdown, where the ball was cleverly slowed and killed at every given opportunity.

This did not suit the visitors who were looking for fast ball to exploit gaps and create mis-matches.

Ferocious tackling from Alex English, Will Smith, Dominic Bennett, Joe Kelly and makeshift centre Ed Watkins had helped the Bury pack in their efforts to get a foothold in the game but the visitors trailed by 19 points at the break.

Second half injuries to Joe Kelly, Tom Smith and Oliver Frechini further disrupted Bury's infrequent attacking opportunities.

Bury will be hoping the returns of Robert Plant, Graham Bigg and Jonny Allen will boost the squad as they prepare to host high-flying Trafford MV at Radcliffe Road on Saturday, kick off 3pm.