SHAKERS hitmen Andy Bishop and Andy Morrell both found the target as Bury came back from the dead to register an important victory in their push for promotion.

Asa Hall had put the struggling Hatters into the lead, against the run of play in the 35th minute, and things went from bad to worse when influential centre-half Ben Futcher was forced off with a hamstring injury.

However, Bury are resilient these days – and they picked themselves up from the canvas to land a quickfire double blow on their hosts that proved enough to earn all three points.

The steely determination with which the Shakers go about their business is pleasing manager Alan Knill, who said: “It was a fantastic performance, especially being 1-0 down and losing your centre-half.

“I thought we were excellent in the second half and were more than value for the win. We played some pretty entertaining stuff and could have won it comfortably.

“There’s a belief within the team that, at 1-0 down, you don’t crumble, you keep going, and we certainly did that.”

Luton’s 4-3-3 formation had put some presure on the Shakers’ defence in the first half, with midfielder Hall firing wide before being denied by a fine reflex save by Mark Tyler.

Bury replied with Paul Scott and Bishop having efforts cleared off the line while Morrell saw a superb strike from just inside the box come back off a post.

Bishop tested keeper Conrad Logan with two long-range efforts but it was Luton who took the lead as Tom Craddock’s run was blocked by Scott and the ball came out to Hall, who sent a low drive inside the far post.

Although Futcher was then taken off, the Shakers started the second half strongly with Bennett firing into the side-netting while poor communication between Bishop and Morrell saw a great chance go begging after Morrell had charged down a Logan clearance.

But Bishop made amends moments later as he pounced to turn in Bennett’s deflected cross for his first goal in six games.

The Shakers were rampant now and, following a fine move on the left, Bennett crossed for Morrell to score at the near post with a superb diving header.

Morrell was denied a second by Logan after turning his marker and sub Efe Sodje stabbed the ball over following a Mike Jones corner. Bishop might have made the victory more comfortable while Brian Barry-Murphy saw a late free-kick tipped over.

“Every time we broke we looked exciting and both wingers again looked as if they could do something,” Knill said.

“Add the front two to that and we look decent at the moment, but there’s a long way to go. Nothing’s ever been decided in January but we’ve got some momentum.”

BURY: Tyler 7, Scott 7, Cresswell 8, Futcher 7 (Sodje 42, 7), Buchanan 6, Bennett 8, Dawson 7, Barry-Murphy 7, Jones 8, Bishop 8, Morrell 8 (Hurst 83), Subs not used: Baker, Haslam, Racchi.

Attendance: 5,545 Referee: Fred Graham (Essex)