In addition to giving valuable match time to around 20 players, in a game played at a high tempo, the Heys boss will have been pleased at the fitness levels and football played against a very sharp and skilful Bury side.

The match was preceded by a perfectly observed minutes silence for John Carroll with both sides wearing black armbands.

Heys found it tough early on as they struggled for possession against a side who were quick to close down space in all areas.

It took two fine close range saves from Rob Sadler and some stoic defence to keep Heys level.

Heys resilience was rewarded however, in the 23rd minute when Martin Love got clear to go through and score with an assured finish to give his side the lead.

However, the general flow was towards Heys goal and their resistance was broken in the 31st minute when George Miller slotted a shot calmly into the bottom left hand corner of the net for the equaliser.

Brayden Shaw was then thwarted on two occasions in a matter of minutes by Sadler before half-time.

After the break Bury kept pushing and on the 54th minute got their just rewards with Ciaron Best smashed the ball home after a Sam Gibson cross was put across goal by Raquarn Crosdale.

Heys however hit back strongly and enjoying increasing amounts of possession began creating chances themselves.

Luke Marsland hit the post and George Powell went close.

Lee Bruce and Mark Baguley both saw chances whistle past the post and in the closing moments Powell again went close.