Shakers new boy Steven Schumacher insists his side can take plenty of heart despite their opening day defeat to Port Vale.

Lee Collins' 66th minute strike settled a contest that was evenly-fought between two sides that have genuine aspirations of challenging for honours this season.

There was very little to pick between both teams, with Bury dominating the first half and the visitors edging the second period.

And former Everton and Crewe midfielder Schumacher, who was handed the captain's armband on his debut, believes the Gigg Laners can be proud of their opening salvo.

“There were a lot of positives for us to take - we played some good football,” said the 26-year-old.

“If we had just taken one of the chances that came to us it would have been a different game.

“I think we more than matched them and I think it was a pretty even game.

“The only difference between the two teams was that the ball fell to them in the box and it didn't for us.

“That is what settles a lot of games in this divisions. Some you win and some you lose but you have to try and set your stall out to be solid and not concede stupid goals.

“Overall, I think we did really well. It did click for us at times and we looked good going forward.

“We just have to be better around the box and get some better delivery in there sometimes.”

Manager Alan Knill handed debuts to six of his summer signings but there was no obvious settling-in period as the Shakers set about the Valiants in the opening 15 minutes.

Tricky winger Andy Haworth, recruited from Blackburn Rovers in pre-season, served notice of his talents when he ran at the heart of the defence and shot straight at Stuart Tomlinson.

Then Andy Bishop, looking back to full fitness after a torrid 12 months with injuries, had a strong penalty appeal turned down after his flying header from Haworth's cross was met by the hand of Gareth Owen.

Bishop fashioned the best chance of the first half when, after wriggling free on the edge of the box, his low shot was expertly tipped wide by Tomlinson.

The visitors were restricted to long-range efforts with impressive midfielder Anthony Griffith seeing two shots easily dealt with by Cameron Belford.

Roared on by nearly 2,000 visiting supporters, Micky Adams's men upped the ante in the second half and should have gone into the lead.

First lively full-back Adam Yates saw a cross-cum-shot tipped over the bar before an unmarked Doug Loft sidefooted wide at the far post.

The pressure paid off when Bury failed to clear their lines from Gary Roberts' corner and left-back Collins nipped in to smash home from just eight yards out.

And it was so nearly 2-0 when Belford raced out and failed to collect Yates' free-kick, only to watch with relief as Marc Richards headed narrowly wide.

Efe Sodje had to be alert to deny Richards another effort at goal before Knill threw on Kyle Bennett and Michael Jones to try and rescue a point.

The home side almost did just that when Bishop sent in a teasing cross for strike partner Ryan Lowe, only for the Liverpool-born ace to watch his flicked header roll agonisingly wide of the post.

Try as they might, Bury could not breach the Valiants defence but Knill was left a happy man after the performance of his young team that is very much a work in progress.

“I thought it was a positive performance,” he said. “We are disappointed to lose but it was an even game.

“We have a young team and we have to be patient and nurture and encourage because they will get better. I think this was a good learning experience for them.”

BURY: Belford 7, Picken 7, Sodje 8, Lees 7, Skarz 7, Worrall 6 (Bennett 6, 74), Schumacher 8, Sweeney 7, Haworth 7 (M Jones 6, 74), Lowe 7 (John-Lewis 6, 84), Bishop 8. Subs not used: Carlton, Branagan, A Jones, Harrop.

PORT VALE: Tomlinson 8, Yates 8, McCombe 7, Owen 7, Collins 7, Rigg 6 (R Taylor 6, 76), Griffith 7, Roberts 7, Loft 6 (Dodds 6, 76), M Richards 7, J Richards 8. Subs not used: Martin, K Taylor, Fraser, Morsley, Malbon.

Attendance: 4,681 (1,945 Port Vale fans)

Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire)