IT was not the comfortable afternoon the league table suggested it would be for the Old Boys.

The Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division top-versus-bottom clash proved a gritty stalemate until Alex Lundy produced a stunning strike midway through the second half to break the deadlock.

Bury needed the victory to stay six points ahead of second-placed Failsworth Dynamos who have four games in hand.

But Radcliffe, who are six points adrift at the bottom with only one win and one draw from 16 games, made life difficult.

Bury dominated possession and had the better chances in the first half, Spencer Woods missing one glorious opportunity.

There was little change after the break, and it was beginning to look like it might not be Bury’s day until Lundy broke Radcliffe’s resistance on 65 minutes with a 25-yard shot.

It was 2-0 shortly after when substitute Derrick Aljoe tapped in from two yards when Radcliffe failed to clear a cross.

Substitutes Adam Al Attar and Sam Raey both spurned good chances to add to the lead on a day which ended in relief for Bury and frustration for Radcliffe.

The Old Boys are at home to Old Boltonians at Buckley Wells on Saturday, 2.30pm kick-off.