Shakers a class apart to still the flying Gills

BURY manager Ryan Lowe labelled his players “different class” as they survived a late Gillingham onslaught to secure a muchneeded three points in their desperate fight against relegation.

Goals from Neil Danns and Harry Bunn secured a vital victory over play-off hopefuls Gillingham, who fought back with a header from Connor Ogilvie in a thrilling second half.

“My heart was in my mouth for the last five minutes but I’m happy with any three points we can get,” said Lowe.

“The boys were different class and magnificent – there were chances, shots and goalline clearances and every single one to a man was top drawer.

“We have a togetherness and everyone is champing at the bit – they’re knocking on my door asking to play.

“We have a gameplan and we want to attack and score goals because ultimately that’s what’s going to get us out of this mess.”

Bury’s opener came after 12 minutes as skipper Danns cut inside from the right before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the area, which squirmed underneath an unsighted Tomas Holy.

The hosts doubled their lead midway through the half following an incisive move down the right which saw the dangerous Zeli Ismail dribble his way to the by-line before pulling the ball back for Bunn, whose scuffed shot looped over the diving keeper.

Early in the second half Nathan Cameron missed an easy chance from four yards out before George Miller’s shot was brilliantly blocked on the line by Max Ehmer.

With 20 minutes remaining the in-form Gills pulled one back when a cross from the right from Scott Wagstaff was met by Ogilvie’s head, with Connor Ripley unable to stop his effort.

A late shout for a Gills penalty and a blocked effort from Holy, up for an injurytime corner, saw the game end in excitement with Bury relieved at full time. Gills manager Steve Lovell said: “That was the worst 45 minutes since we took over but you have to give credit to Bury.

“They are fighting for their lives and we’re not going to perform miracles every weekend.

“They gave it a really good go and caused us problems during that first half and they thoroughly deserved to go in 2-0 up.

“It was disappointing after the good run we’ve had but all good runs come to an end.

“Now we have to dust ourselves down and get ourselves ready for next week.”