CAMERON Belford and Andy Morrell might be poles apart in terms of Football League experience, but their combined talents proved instrumental in getting Bury's promotion push back on track against the Railwaymen.

Rookie goalkeeper Belford, who was making his full league debut, and evergreen striker Morrell, a veteran of more than 300 career appearances, made key interventions at either end of the pitch to help drag the Shakers back into the play-off places.

Belford made a stunning first half save to deny Clayton Donaldson when the scores were still level and Morrell combined majestically with strike partner Ryan Lowe to open the scoring and ease any nerves that might have been creeping in.

Second half goals from Lowe and Andy Bishop sealed the victory but it was Belford who got the post-match plaudits after a torrid few days.

The 21-year-old shipped five goals after coming on for the red carded Wayne Brown against Cheltenham on Saturday, but he showed immense character to bounce back with an assured display that will silence his knockers.

“Coming off the back of conceding five goals on Saturday, I just wanted to get a clean sheet - there is nothing more pleasing than doing that,” said Belford. “Hopefully I have given the gaffer a dilemma now.

“I did hear a few little things after Saturday's game and there were people saying they didn't have full faith in my ability but I think everyone has their critics and hopefully I proved a few of mine wrong.

“That is all I can do - I know I can perform at this level and I went out to play my normal game and I'm delighted for myself and the lads because it was a massive result for us.”

Chances were at a premium in the opening stages, but Bury did have the ball in the net when Efe Sodje bundled home Mike Jones' free-kick - only for the Nigerian defender's celebrations to be cut short by the linesman flagging for handball.

Bury were not having it all their own way, however, and Belford was forced into action when he scrambled across goal to save Donaldson's shot before the striker's rebounded effort was deflected on to the bar by a lunging David Buchanan.

As the half wore on, the home side were starting to assert their dominance and they went into the lead on the half hour mark when, after a neat one-two on the edge of the box with strike partner Lowe, Morrell smashed home.

And Bury were in the driving seat within three minutes of the second period when Lowe got himself on the scoresheet in style.

The ball was laid off to the former Crewe striker on the edge of the area and he caught it sweetly on the half volley to fire up and over the despairing Steve Phillips.

Bury had their tails up and Morrell nearly added a spectacular third when he acrobatically shot just wide.

Crewe were still a threat, however, and Belford was called into action once again when he superbly parried Donaldson's long range effort away.

Bury threw on Bishop to try and fashion a third and they did just that with just three minutes remaining.

Bishop shrugged off the attentions of his markers to expertly spin and fire into the bottom corner.

It put the seal on a fine performance, in particular from Belford, Morrell and Sodje, and the Shakers now have just four games left to make sure nine months of hard work gets some real reward in the final reckoning – starting with the visit of Port Vale on Saturday.

BURY: Belford 8, Scott 7, Cresswell 8, Sodje 8, Buchanan 7, Worrall 7 (Poole 82), Dawson 7 (Newey 7, 70), Barry-Murphy 8, Jones 8, Lowe 8, Morrell 8 (Bishop 7, 74). Subs not used: Futcher, Carlton, Racchi, Branagan.

CREWE: Phillips 6, Brayford 6, Schumacher 7, Donaldson 7, Grant 7, Mitchel-King 6, Miller 6 (Zola 6, 67), Murphy 6, Westwood 6, Tootle 6, Worley 6. Subs not used: Platt, Ada, Shelley, Davis, Walton, Gardner.

Attendance: 2,178 (141 Crewe fans)

Referee: D Whitestone (Northants)