STRONG character emphatically shone through for boss Ryan Lowe as Dom Telford’s double put Bury’s League Two promotion bid back on track with a 2-0 win against Colchester.

The Shakers’ clash at Gigg Lane had originally been in doubt after last month’s salaries had not been paid.

But faith was certainly restored on the pitch as Telford struck twice in the second half, ending Bury’s three-match losing streak and a difficult period for Lowe – faced with more selection headaches than usual.

“I was pleased with the three points and the attitude and commitment of the boys was different class,” he said.

“I made some changes and it was a case of seeing who was in the right frame of mind to play.

“It’s not good, situations like that but we have to make changes to see who’s ready to play.

“It’s affected a lot, I’m not going to lie but when they put performances in like that it’s not about the team – it’s a squad game.

“The lads who were left out were left out for a purpose.”

Bury had accrued no points from their last three games and almost fell behind in the opening minute after Courtney Senior had driven the ball into the six-yard box.

And only an excellent save from Shakers keeper Joe Murphy prevented Colchester from taking a ninth-minute lead when he tipped over Tom Lapslie’s 25-yard effort.

But Bury improved after that and almost took the lead after 16 minutes when Ryan Jackson almost turned the ball into his own net at the far post, after Nicky Adams’ deep cross eluded everyone in the area.

Bury sent on Byron Moore for Callum McFadzean at half time and Telford was denied by Rene Gilmartin soon after the restart, after he had been sent through by Adams’ cutting pass.

The Shakers took the lead five minutes after the break through Telford, who nipped in to head home after Nicky Maynard had helped Adams’ corner into his path.

Murphy parried away Jackson’s fierce drive and Sam Saunders’ long-range effort rattled the bar for Colchester, just before the hour mark.

But while Gilmartin denied Maynard in the area, Bury doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Telford stooped to send a low header in from Maynard's fine cross, as Bury boosted their automatic promotion hopes.

“I’m pleased for Dom Telford over the past few weeks, because he can give us more,” added Lowe.

“I’m pleased for him to get his two goals because I’ve given him a hard time over the last few weeks.

“I’ve asked him for 17 goals because he’s told me he wanted to get 20.

“Overall I’m pleased and a lot of credit has to go to the players and the staff and the club, because it’s been a tough week.

“I thought the three points were thoroughly deserved but we knew that it was going to be tough.

“Colchester are one of the best teams in the league and we needed to mix it up but we deserved it.”

Bury: Murphy 8, Stokes 8, Wharton 8, Aimson 8, Rossiter 9, Danns 8, O’Shea 8, Adams 8, McFadzean 7 (Moore 46, 7), Maynard 8 (Lavery 81, 5), Telford 9 (Omotayo 89, 5).

Subs not used: Thompson, Cooney, Hulme, Moloney.

Colchester United: Gilmartin, Jackson, Prosser (Eastman 65), Kent, Vincent-Young, Lapslie (Norris 77), Saunders, Senior, Szmodics, Nouble, Mandron (Dickenson 75).

Subs not used: Chilvers, Stevenson, Eisa, Barnes.

Referee: Andy Haines.

Attendance: 3,898.