THERE was something quite poetic about Michael Jones' match-winning display against Tranmere on Tuesday night.
Released by the Prenton Park outfit in May 2008, the talented winger was left crestfallen and facing up to the worrying prospect of being a free agent in a market flooded with players that have hundreds of Football League appearances on their CV.
Having made just 23 senior appearances when he pitched up as a trialist at Gigg Lane that same summer, Jones was an unknown and could have been forgiven for being hesitant to express his natural ball-playing ability.
Thankfully, that talent is coming to the fore and Tranmere's loss is almost certainly Bury's gain because he is rapidly developing into one of the best young players in League Two.
The 22-year-old looks certain to have a bright future in the game, and this was underlined by a stunning performance in which he scored one and set up the other for fellow young winger David Worrall to dump his former employees out of the cup.
“I suppose the script was written,” said Jones. “It was nice to get a goal, but going through was the main thing.
“It took us some time to get going but we gave it a good go in the second half and looked bright and quick.
“We passed it about, reached a good tempo and when we do that we cause most teams problems.
“I enjoyed playing in a free role and it gave me a chance to get on the ball more.
“I have said before I want to add goals this season and I have got a few already so I want to push on now.”
It was Tranmere, however, who raced out of the blocks and took the lead with the first chance of the game.
Bury keeper Wayne Brown, who has made mistakes in each of his last two matches, was at fault once again as Craig Curran's shot at the near post somehow found its way into the back of the net.
It was just the boost John Barnes' men needed, but it was Bury who then seized the initiative as Richie Baker, Stephen Dawson and Tom Elliott all went close.
Curran, however, could have put the game out of reach himself with chances either side of half-time that went begging.
The second of those was particularly wasteful when Charlie Bennett's cross perfectly picked out the goalscorer, who headed straight at Brown from just six yards out.
And he was made to rue that profligacy as Worrall levelled in the 55th minute when he rounded the keeper and found the back of the empty net following Jones' fantastic throughball.
Worrall almost put his side into the lead 60 seconds later when his goalbound effort was acrobatically kept out of the top corner by Luke Daniels.
The visitors were still looking dangerous on the break, however, and Ian Goodison hit the post with a powerful header.
But it was fitting that Jones, who has blossomed at Gigg Lane, had the last word and he converted Tom Elliott's centre with aplomb to put his side into the hat for the area quarter-finals.
It was an impressive display by the Shakers, who fielded just three players over the age of 23 in their starting line-up.
David Buchanan showed he is equally as adept at right-back as on the opposite flank while David Worrall, Tom Elliott, Danny Racchi and Jones all linked up well in the final third.
Bury, however, will not be getting carried away by their fine run of form having seen what happens when things do go against you in the opening stages of the season.
On this showing they have plenty to look forward to.
BURY: Brown 6, Buchanan 7, Futcher 7, Cresswell 7, Newey 6, Worrall 7, Dawson 7, Baker 6 (Barry-Murphy 46, 7), Racchi 6, Jones 9, Elliott 7. Subs not used: Lowe, Sodje, Belford, Patel.
TRANMERE: Daniels 7, Edds 6 (Fraughan 6, 63), Taylor 6, Goodison 7, Cresswell 6, Barnett 7, Welsh 7, Mahon 6, Carole 6, Bain 5 (Thomas-Moore 6, 57), Curran 7. Subs not used: Collister, Logan, Shuker.
Attendance: 1,903 (439 Tranmere fans)
Referee: A Haines (Tyne & Wear)
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