In the top-of-the-table clash away at Kendal Town it was Bury that emerged victorious thanks to a brace from Andy Scarisbrick, writes James Beedie.

Manager Dave McNabb was without Benito Lowe, still recovering from injury, and Connor Comber following his dismissal last week so moved to sign Sam Burns from Bootle who went straight into the starting lineup. There was a return to the starting eleven for Andy Briggs while Andy Kellett, not seen at Bury since August had a place on the bench.

Facing the Shakers were Kendal Town at their Parkside home. The Mintcakes had made a strong start to the season and had been longtime leaders at the top of the table. An indifferent spell of late had seen them surrender their place to Bury who aimed to avenge their 3-2 home defeat at Gigg Lane earlier in the season.

Kendal, playing downhill in the first half, started strongly. An early free kick from Ryan Winder found Patrick Allington. His powerful header from point blank range was superbly saved by Bury keeper Harry Wright. The home side continued to look dangerous with Bailey Kenny putting one effort over the bar and a Winder free kick picked out the air by Wright.

Gradually Bury began to take greater control of the match, debutant Sam Burns was a constant threat on the left wing for Bury, harrying the home defence and creating chances for his new teammates. Latching onto a header tipped on by Briggs Burns got in behind the Kendal defence and his cross into the six yard box was only just cleared. Gaz Peet working in tandem on the left hand side sent in a cross that Briggs connected with but couldn’t direct it goalwards and a long throw found Briggs again but his header was put into the side netting.

Bury earned the goal their efforts deserved and Burns was at the heart of it. Quick on the counter attack Burns spun round his marker following a clearance by the Shakers defence and took the ball from well inside Bury’s half to the edge of the Kendal box. Spotting the unmarked Andy Scarisbrick on the right wing he crossed the ball and the former Warrington Rylands man collected the ball, cut inside and with a left footed effort beat Kendal keeper Chris Cheetham at the near post.

Bury could have further extended their lead with a Scarisbrick cross into the box that eluded everyone and a Duckworth free kick that was palmed away by Cheetham. At the other end Bury did well to contain one of the best forward lines in the division. James Bailey, scorer of twenty goals already this season sent a fierce header over the bar while Jacob Gregory and Steven Yawson both spurned good chances. The halftime whistle blew with Bury holding a deserved but narrow 1-0 lead.

Straight into the second half Bury sought to extend their lead. Moments after the restart Burns cut inside from the left wing and curled a shot that went just wide of the post while Briggs after a quick one-two passing move with Scarisbrick fired to the top corner. Cheetham did just enough to tip the powerful shot onto the bar.

While the second Bury goal seemed inevitable when it arrived it had a touch of opportunism about it. Duckworth intercepting a pass along the Kendal backline spotted Scarisbrick unmarked at the far post, his pass found the man who was left with a tap in to grab his and Bury’s second goal.

The Shakers never allowed Kendal back into the match, largely controlling the game from then on. The back four never looked likely to concede and all the chances were going Bury’s way. Duckworth had a shot saved by Cheetham while Burns fired into the side netting. Scarisbrick twice nearly secured his hattrick the first came when a long ball by Wright fell kindly for Bury’s number 10 whose goalbound shot was deflected away by the outstretched leg of Chris Cheetham. The second came about as Burns once again got in behind the Kendal defence. He missed the opportunity to pass to an open Duckworth and when he pulled the ball back to the oncoming Scarisbrick his effort cleared the bar.

The two goals however proved to be enough for an important win for Bury in an impressive performance. With four wins in a row and four clean sheets to go with it Bury are in fine form ahead of their first FA Vase match away at Whickham on Saturday.