Bury 1 Rochdale 2 by Phil Thorp: A DIABOLICAL first half display was the main reason why the Shakers went down to a second home defeat in four weeks against struggling local rivals Rochdale.

Andy Preece's side were quite simply pitiful and the big question at the interval was how the Spotland side had not added to their one goal lead, courtesy of on-loan Andy Bishop.

The Shakers, who have now lost four on the bounce, clearly had not learned any lessons from last months' disappointing FA Cup first round defeat by their near neighbours

Alan Buckley's men arrived on the back of a six game losing sequence, yet they looked at least two divisions higher than the home side in a one-sided first period.

And although Bury rallied in the second half and equalised shortly after the break through Terry Dunfield, it was Dale who finished the game smiling when Kevin Townson grabbed a late winner.

"We got what we deserved from our first half performance, which was totally inept," fumed Preece.

"The players should stand up and be counted. I was disgusted with the way they played.

"You'd have to ask them why they played so poorly because it's a mystery to me. It just wasn't good enough.

"They are paid to be professional footballers and should play like every game is their last, there was just no effort and commitment."

Dale opened the scoring after 18 minutes when Bishop was allowed all the time in the world to twist, turn and eventually fire a low shot past Glyn Garner in the Bury goal.

Within four minutes of the restart Canadian international Dunfield, who for one toiled manfully all afternoon, picked up a pass from Kennedy, and fired home a fine effort that crept inside the post.

But for all the Shakers' huffing and puffing for the rest of the half they never seriously threatened Edwards' goal. The visitors grabbed a winner with their only effort on goal in the second period when substitute Townson fired home from close range, after Gareth Griffiths headed into the box.

"If we play like we did in the second half at Orient next week we will win," added Preece.

"And we desperately need a good result as soon as possible after that."

BURY FORMGUIDE:

Garner 7, Swailes 5, Barrass 6, Gulliver 6, Unsworth 5 (Porter, 46, 7), Clegg 5 (Kennedy, 46, 7), Dunfield 8, Connell 6, O'Shaughnessy 6, O'Neill 6 (Gunby, 88), Seddon 5. Subs not used: Preece and Thompson.

REFEREE: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear)

ATTENDANCE: 3,646