Dave McNabb was full of praise for U23s star Joe Hobson who capped his league debut with a goal as Bury picked up three important points at home to Pilkington on Tuesday night, writes Cameron Cowbury.

The Shakers head to Longridge Town this afternoon on the back of a 3-1 win against the Merseyside club thanks to late strikes from Billy Reeves and Hobson after Connor Coomber had given Bury a first half lead.

McNabb was impressed with the performance - which followed Saturday’s shock 2-1 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Skelmersdale United - but insisted his side should have scored more to seal the game earlier.

“I thought we played some really good stuff, the build-up play was good, we created a bag full of chances, but the story of the season is that we’re not quite killing teams off.”

“Fair play to Pilkington they were well-organised and defended well, but I think we have to come in at half time two or three goals up, to carry into the second half.”

McNabb was full of praise for young star Joe Hobson

“He’s trained with us a few times and not looked out of place,” he said. “He’s had to be patient as we have lots of attacking options. With a few injuries he’s come in, and there was no hesitation in throwing him on.

“I’m so pleased for him that he scored on his debut.

“I think he deserves to be in the squad, and we’ll see him on Saturday against Longridge.

“It’s going to be tough, Ashy (Lee Ashcroft) is a great manager, he’s working with a young group and gets them playing good football”.

“With fast flowing football, it’s going to be good for both sets of fans.”

McNabb praised the performances of goal-scoring Reeves and Gareth Peet.

“People don’t realise how good Billy Reeves is,” he added. “He is the glue of the team that knits everything together, we build the game through him as he keeps the ball so well.

“He’s always in the right place and his counter pressing is exceptional. We’re lucky to have him at the club.”

Regarding’s Peet, McNabb added: “I thought he was overshadowed by people like Reeves but Gaz was brilliant again. He’s been one of the most consistent players since I’ve come in.”

McNabb also gave an injury update on Andy Briggs and Benito Lowe.

He said: “Briggsy’s ankle isn’t broken, its just his ankle ligament, were looking at maybe two weeks out. Benny were not sure on just yet.”