Peterborough 2 Bury 1 by Phil Thorp

SHAKERS rounded off a traumatic campaign with a defeat that highlighted both the failings that have seen them despatched to Division Three but also promise for the future.

The lack of firepower and tendency to self destruct in defence that caused Andy Preece's men to struggle all season was once again in evidence but so too was a silver lining that fringes the relegation cloud.

Preece gave debuts to three teenagers, striker Dave Nugent and left back Gary Evans were given their first full starts while midfielder Steve Gunby tasted first team action from the bench for the last ten minutes.

All three seem certain to play a big part next season as the financial restructuring that goes with relegation bites hard.

Yet the kids on show proved there is nothing to fear by giving youth it's head next term.

Nugent, not 17 until next month, deservedly won the Shakers man of the match award with another performance of promise.

Meanwhile 17-year-old Evans did not look out of place in the left back position that the club now appear to have an embarrassment of riches in.

Following an emotional minutes silence for first team coach Billy Ayre, who died in midweek, that the whole Shakers first team squad made the trip to London Road for, it was a familiar tale of woe.

They fell behind when Glyn Garner inexplicably clattered into Leon McKenzie in the box and McKenzie sent Garner the wrong way with his spot kick.

Seddon's persistence paid off 14 minutes from time when he hooked home from close range. But two minutes later McKenzie hit the winner.

Preece said: "We have to be mentally and physically tougher. Once again we conceded a second goal straight after equalising and that's happened all season for us. We proved again we can compete with any teams in this division but we just have to be more ruthless."

FORMGUIDE: Garner 7, Billy 7, Unsworth 7, Swailes 7, Evans 7, Barrass 7, Forrest 7, Clegg 7, Nugent 8, Newby 7, Seddon 7. Subs: Reid (for Forrest, 74); Gunby (for Billy, 82); Connell (for Barrass, 89). Att: 5,754.

Referee: Mr R. Harris (Isle of Wight)