SHAKERS boss Ryan Lowe heaped praise on Neil Danns and Nicky Maynard after the two shared three goals in Bury’s dominant 4-1 win away at Macclesfield.

Following their disappointing loss at Port Vale last time out, Bury bounced back in clinical style as Danns’ double came inside the first 20 minutes.

The Silkmen responded on the half-hour through Ben Stephens’ strike but Jay O’Shea’s free-kick restored the two-goal lead just before the interval.

The Shakers continued to dominate and Maynard’s strike on the hour sealed an impressive result, with manager Ryan Lowe full of praise for the 31-year-old after his sixth strike in six games.

"I was wary of Macclesfield's threat before the game, despite their low position in the table,” commented Lowe. "I don't think they're the worst team in the division.

"We knew we needed a fast start, and thankfully that's exactly what we got.

"Fair play to Dannsy (Neil), he's scored a worldie, one of two today, which is brilliant for him.

"He's worked so hard this season and I'm over the moon for him to get among the goals.

"Nicky's (Maynard) a great goalscorer too and today Callum (McFadzean) was the provider.

"That's what we pay Nicky for. He's proved that he's worth every penny since he joined us.

"Who knows how many goals he will end up with this season - he's flying at the moment."

There was an electric start to the game at Moss Rose with Shakers' striker Dominic Telford seeing his 20-yard drive thump the crossbar.

A barnstorming start from Lowe's men saw them go ahead as Danns bagged the first of a quickfire brace in the 14th minute, converting after Rhys Taylor parried Nicky Adams’ cross into his path.

Danns’ second was a cracker, the Bury midfielder smashing home into the top-right corner from the edge of the box.

Stephens pulled one back as he latched on to a through-ball from Jared Hodgkiss and clipped the ball neatly over Joe Murphy.

However, a minute before the break it was 3-1 when O'Shea curled in a free-kick from the edge of the box.

Bury remained on top into the second half and Maynard grabbed the fourth, sliding in to slot home a perfectly-weighted low cross from McFadzean.

Bury's best late chance to net a fifth fell to Danny Mayor, who was thwarted by a last-ditch tackle from Rose.

Steadily-improving Bury have now lost just once in their last eight league games.

"We know we're capable of mixing it with the best in this division,” added Lowe. “It's just about being that bit more consistent.

"Everyone was a bit down after the Port Vale result of course, but we spoke about that during the week and this has been a really positive response.

"It's been a good day for everyone, but we move on now to the next game.

"The fans were magnificent today. I didn't realise we had some sat down too, as well as in the open stand behind the goal - this victory was for them."

Macclesfield (4-3-3): Taylor; Hodgkiss, Fitzpatrick, Lowe, Kelleher; Maycock, Vincenti (Lloyd, 66), Rose; Smith, Wilson (Blissett, 76), Stephens (Arthur, 66).

Subs not used: O'Hara, Grimes, Welch-Hayes, Marsh.

Bury (3-5-2): Murphy 7; Stokes 8, Thompson 8, Aimson 7; Adams 8, Mayor 7, Danns 9 (Styles, 90, 6), O'Shea 8, McFadzean 7; Telford 7 (Moore, 69, 6), Maynard 8 (Dagnall, 89, 6).

Subs not used: Hudson, Miller, Archer, Barjonas.

Referee: Ross Joyce.

Attendance: 2485.