IT'S amazing what a difference seven days can make in football.

In losing their opening two games of the season, the Shakers appeared to be suffering from a post play-off hangover.

However, they have since woken from their slumber with a bang and looked every inch promotion material in their clinical demolition of Hereford on Tuesday night.

Ryan Lowe netted a brace, after Leon Constantine had cancelled out Michael Jones' opener, to fire Alan Knill's men to their second away victory in four days.

Bury were a real menace going forward and their 100 per cent commitment to the cause meant Hereford, relegated from League One last season, had very little joy in the final third.

“We were excellent, especially in the second half,” said Knill. “There were a few things we weren't happy with at half-time, but we did everything right in the second period and it was a good result for us.

“I know I have got players that, if you give them the ball, they look dangerous. Everyone thought it was a disaster when we lost 3-0 on the opening day, but the players have put it right with two away victories.

“Ryan is a natural goalscorer, who has got great technique, and we saw that last season when he scored 18 goals in a Chester team that struggled. If we can supply him, he will score goals.”

Bury had steel about them last season that meant they went through the campaign undefeated when they took the lead - and they are continuing in much the same vein this time around.

Jones opened the scoring with Bury's first attack of the match when he curled home a free-kick from the edge of the area after 10 minutes.

Striker Domaine Rouse, who impressed on his full debut with some intelligent runs and link-up play, was brought down by his marker and Bulls keeper Adam Bartlett could only help the ball into the net with a flailing hand.

However, the home side were back on level terms within five minutes when Constantine fired into the bottom corner after Glen Southam had sent Ryan Green scampering down the right.

The Shakers had a glorious chance to restore their advantage when Jones sent in a glorious cross from the left, but marauding full-back David Buchanan failed to make any decent contact ten yards out after a late run into the danger zone.

Hereford issued a warning of their own threat, however, when former Sheffield United and Derby County striker Lee Morris curled a shot past the post from outside the area.

The Shakers stormed back into the lead in the 52nd minute when Lowe netted his first goal for the club after clinically slotting home from eight yards.

Bury were looking the more dangerous side on the attack and Rouse fired wide from the edge of the area while Buchanan, who looked a constant menace with his overlapping runs down the left flank, flashed an effort wide.

Buchanan, however, did lose his man at the other end but former Hereford favourite Wayne Brown saved his blushes with a fine block from Glen Southam's shot.

Lowe sealed the points in the 86th minute when he latched on to a ball over the top and calmly slotted past Bartlett.

Hereford's misery was complete when Ryan Valentine was dismissed for picking up two yellow cards.

Shakers supporters can take plenty of hearts from a fantastic all-round performance that suggest Bury can be a real force again this season.

New faces like Lowe and David Worrall have added an extra dimension to the squad, while young players like Stephen Dawson, Buchanan and Jones are continuing the progression that saw them marked out as bright prospects last season.

It all bodes well for the vibrant outfit and League Two opponents can be sure that Knill's men are back to what they do best – picking up points while playing eye-catching football.

HEREFORD: Bartlett 6, Green 7, Valentine 7, Lunt 7, Morris 6 (Done 6, 45), Constantine 7 (Tolley 6, 72), Southam 7, Godsmark 7, Dennehy 6, Lowe 6, Pugh 6. Subs not used: Adamson, C Jones, Rose, Gwynne, McQulkin.

BURY: Brown 7, Scott 7, Futcher 7, Sodje 7, Buchanan 8, Worrall 7, Dawson 8, Barry-Murphy 7, Jones 8 (Racchi 6, 85), Rouse 8 (Morrell 6, 75), Lowe 8 (Johnson 6, 88). Subs not used: Cresswell, Baker, Belford.

Attendance: 2,321 (217 Bury fans)

Referee: Mr R East