Leon Clarke scored the only goal of the game against Colchester United as Bury stretched their unbeaten away run to 17 matches.
Bury were under defensive pressure for large parts of the game, with the U’s registering 13 attempts on goal, but found keeper Rob Lainton in superb form.
In the second half, Marvin Sordell gave the ball away just outside his own area and Joe Riley crossed to the back post for Bury’s top-scorer to head home.
The win elevated the Shakers to third in the League One table, just three points behind high-flying Burton Albion, and ended Colchester’s impressive unbeaten home record.
Colchester United, who had won their previous four league games, started the match brightly and forced two saves from Lainton in the 25th minute as he tipped Joe Edward’s long range drive around the post.
Just before the break, Chris Hussey had an attempt at goal from a freekick on the right of the area, his curling effort had Jamie Jones beaten in the U’s goal but it struck the upright as the teams went into the break level.
Bury manager David Flitcroft introduced striker Tom Pope as his team’s tactical shape shifted, but throughout the second half the Shakers were under pressure as Colchester dominated the ball and majority of the chances with Lainton forced to make several good saves.
In the 75th minute, Colchester striker Marvin Sordell misplaced a pass in his own half, the former England under 21 international stood and watched as Riley got the ball from under his feet to find Clarke, who headed back across goal to give the Shakers the lead.
Colchester continued to probe to find a breakthrough, but the Bury defence remained resolute and held on to claim a well-earned clean sheet.
U’s boss Tony Humes suggested that Lainton’s performance made the difference: “I thought we dominated the majority of the game and had the better of the chances but the keeper has made three or four fantastic saves.
“Bury are a good team but I thought we played the better football and put them off their game a little bit – we had a lot of territory but they defended very well.”
Flitcroft was pleased with his side’s defensive showing: “I’m absolutely over the moon with the result and performance. It’s another win for a team that doesn’t know when it’s beaten.
“The players have given everything and we know that if we get a clean sheet, our team scores goals and to score the winner through Leon was great.
“It looked like it might be 0-0 but it’s really important that we’re resolute and score goals. Colchester are doing well and it’s taken a lot of detail to stop them from scoring and keep a clean sheet.”
Image courtesy of BuryFC via YouTube, with thanks.
