Bury returned to winning ways thanks to goals from Rustam Stepans and Bobby Carroll that helped beat ten-man Charnock Richard, writes James Beedie.

Coming off three cup defeats the Shakers were back to league action against a side they played against five times last season but only beat once. The difference now is the Villagers star man from that season Rustam Stepans would line up against them as Bury’s top scorer.

There were some changes to the Bury team. With goalkeeper Mitch Allen unavailable former Prestwich Heys manager Russell Saunders dusted his gloves off to make his Shakers debut. The visitors were boosted by the return of right back Bebeto Gomes but forward Ruben Jerome remains absent, Iyrwah Gooden deputising in his place.

In much of the early running the hosts had Bury on the back foot. Former Prestwich forward Matty Davies and ex Ramsbottom winger Kuda Chingwaro threatened the Bury backline but Bury’s new keeper stepped up to make a couple of saves look easy.

Gradually Bury grew into the contest. From a partially cleared corner Shakers skipper Gaz Peet attempted a long range shot that only narrowly ran wide of Ryan Hamer’s far post. Then from a slick passing move Bebeto Gomes slipped the ball to Stepans who fired a shot over the bar.

Bury took the lead from the penalty spot. Alex Cherera played a great ball through to the oncoming Connor Pye, as the full back got to the ball he was shoved in the back and fell in the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Stepans faced with his first return to Mossie Park made it one to remember smashing the ball into the bottom left corner to give his new side the lead.

The task ahead got tougher for the home side as Charnock Richard were reduced to ten men before halftime. Bebeto Gomes only just returning from injury was clattered by a clumsy challenge that was as late as it was high. The referee pulled out the red card and Charnock Richard’s captain Lewis Haydock had to depart.

Bury then put their man advantage to good use. Bobby Carroll now with the freedom of the middle of the park attempted an audacious long range shot that flew into the top corner to double the Shakers’ lead. It was some way to score his first Bury goal.

Charnock Richard made a couple of changes at halftime changing up their attacking options but beyond a flurry of early corners, one of which came off the Bury crossbar, they found no way through the Shakers defence. As the second half wore on the backline looked assured and comfortable and the prospect of a late comeback gradually diminished.

Bury had chances to further extend their lead, a third goal would likely be a knockout blow in the contest but it eluded the visitors. Bryan Ly fired wide after a good pass from Cherera while Gooden for a moment was played in but quickly ushered away from goal by the home defence.

The only disappointment for the Shakers was the loss of Gomes just after the hour with what seemed to be another impact injury. Bury fans will hope his withdrawal was a preventative measure and the fan favourite will be back playing soon.

Bury substitute Patrick Jarrett gave spectators a glimpse of what he can offer skipping past two defenders and winning a free kick in a dangerous area, the resulting set piece however was saved by Hamer.

Time ran out on the match and Bury could celebrate a comfortable victory as well as a clean sheet that has eluded them for some weeks. The win helps Bury in their chase of the leading pack though with so many games in hand there will be many more midweek battles to overcome for Dave McNabb’s side.