ECSTATIC Shakers boss Andy Preece says Bury's shock Worthington Cup triumph over Premiership neighbours Bolton has finally exorcised the ghosts of their administration misery writes Chris Hall

Not only did the 12,000 attendance and a place in the next round help keep the bank manager away from Gigg Lane for several months but Preece claims the result and subsequent press column inches has finally planted the public's gaze back on to the most important aspect of the club the football.

The manner of Shakers' well-crafted performance, which was skilful beyond their league position, will have come to no surprise to regular followers who have been treated to an impressive brand of passing, intelligent football all season.

But Preece reckons the slaying of a respected Premiership outfit will earn them the respect they deserve.

"The underdog has pulled off a surprise but people might be more surprised by how well we played," he said.

"We pass the ball around and create a lot of chances in every match. Maybe now people will start talking about what Bury do on the pitch instead of our situation off it.

"I have always managed to remain positive. I have always said that we have some good players here. Now maybe people will believe me."

The goal itself was a source of much debate, with it being almost impossible to decipher whether Jon Newby,s cross was forced home by Colin Woodthorpe or if Bernard Mendy had crowned his home debut with an own goal among a tangle of legs.

But Preece was in no doubt over who he had credited with the killer strike.

"It was Colin's goal, without a doubt," he said.

"He did a great job just to get into that position and keep up with Newby from where he was. That showed great determination and it was definitely him who got the final touch."

The only major down side to Bury's night was the early exit of key midfielder George Clegg, who left the field with knee ligament damage after a challenge with David Holdsworth.

"That's a blow for us," added Preece. "He gives us an extra attacking option but he could be out for six to eight weeks."

Sensing the need for a calming influence in the latter stages of the match, Preece finally threw himself into the fray for the final frantic moments but admitted it was tempting to come off the bench much sooner to share in Shakers' glory night.

"With about 15 minutes to go, I saw that Pawel Abbott was getting tired so I started warming up ready to replace him," he said.

"Then I think he must have seen me because he suddenly found a second wind and played some great football. Everything seemed to be going through him, so I had to let him stay on a bit longer.

"That was tough for me because I was itching to get on the pitch. It's a great stadium to play in and I wanted to be part of the game."