FOR most football fans, losing at home to a neighbouring team would leave a sour taste in the mouth.

But not only were Bury FC supporters gracious in defeat after Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Accrington Stanley, they are quite keen to lend their conquerors a hand.

For Accrington Stanley, the country’s oldest league club, are in serious financial trouble, and more than 500 Bury supporters have vowed to pass through the turnstiles tomorrow night when Accrington play Darlington. The gesture of goodwill will raise about £7,500 for Stanley, who need to raise £300,000 in seven weeks to pay a tax bill to the Inland Revenue and avoid the risk of folding.

Organiser George Thomas has formed a group on social networking website Facebook urging Shakers fans to attend the game. The group has so far attracted 330 members.

Bury fan Carl Mason, aged 40, said: “When Bury were having financial problems in the late 90s, Stanley played us and donated all the proceeds from the game to us. This is our way of returning the favour.

“As well as the Facebook group, there have been discussions on football messageboards and we could be looking at 500 Bury fans going up in their shirts and with flags. These days, football tends to be about greed, so it is great that our fans are pulling together to help another club in need.”

Accrington Stanley chief executive Rob Lees said: “This is a tremendous gesture from the Bury fans and we are very grateful for their effort. To go out of their way on a Friday night to support Stanley is fantastic. We have a long way to go in the next seven weeks, but we are confident that we can pay the full amount by then.”

The match between Accrington Stanley and Darlington starts at 7.45pm. Standing tickets are £13 for adults, £16 for juniors and £1 for children under 12.