Fans, staff and players alike drew heaps of praise from manager Ryan Lowe as Bury wrapped up an amazing season by securing runners-up spot in League Two.

A 1-1 draw with Port Vale at Gigg Lane saw the Shakers cap their promotion-yielding campaign with another point, though Vale’s Tom Pope threatened to spoil the party with the opener.

Jordan Rossiter levelled before the break but this outing was never about the performance or result for Lowe as he reflected on 46 games of success en route to League One.

"It's not been just about me,” said Lowe.

”I'd like to thank all the players and the staff. The fans have been great too. They've really bought into what we've been all about.

"It's been a really emotional season, so it's great that it's ended like this.

"It's been a roller-coaster, but we've finally got to where we wanted, and that's promotion.

"I wanted to be the best in the league right from the start. We couldn't do that and credit to Lincoln, but I am so proud of everyone.
"We'll have a look at things in the summer and see where we go now, but it's not quite sunk in yet.

"We have gone through the mill a bit at times, we had to go back to the drawing board, but we've worked so hard

"Everything I've asked for the lads have done. There's never been any backchat, I've not fined anyone - they've all been superb and they deserve this success.”

Port Vale started on top as former Shaker Pope nodded narrowly wide while Luke Hannant also threatened with tricky footwork.

It took Bury time to get going but when they did they were excellent, Nicky Maynard looking menacing as he fired over on 19 minutes.

But Vale bagged the opener, Pope chesting down Antony Kay's cross before tucking neatly past Joe Murphy.

Bury threatened soon after as Caolan Lavery struck the bar while Rossiter pulled the hosts level on half-time, curling home from 20 yards for a timely first goal for the Shakers.

Danny Mayor had put in rather a quiet shift by his usual high standards, but he almost struck when he curled narrowly over the top early in the second period.

In the 54th minute Bury were thwarted by the woodwork again as Maynard incredibly struck the bar from barely three yards out.

Vale threatened late on when sub Ben Whitfield smashed in a smart shot which only just cleared the Bury crossbar.

Tom Conlon also went close when his shot was brilliantly tipped onto the post by 'keeper Murphy as Bury ended their season with another point to their name.

"We'll celebrate, then have a rest, then the hierarchy have to make some changes,” added Lowe.

"That's definitely what's needed here.

"Whatever happens, we need the situation sorting out as soon as possible because we need to go into next season in League One with a good quality squad."

Bury (3-5-2): Murphy 7; O'Connell 5, Thompson 8, Wharton 5 (Moore 26, 8); Cooney 6 (N Adams 66, 7), Mayor 7, Rossiter 8, O'Shea 7, McFadzean 6; Lavery 6 (Telford 66, 6), Maynard 7. Subs not used: Moloney, J Adams, Hulme, Seriki.

Port Vale (4-5-1): Brown 7; Vassell 8, Smith 7, Legge 7, Crookes 6; Hannant 7 (Whitfield 60, 7), Joyce 7, Kay 7, Conlon 6, Worrall 7 (Montano 45, 6); Pope 8. Subs not used: Hornby, Pugh, Elliott, Turner, Green-Birch.

Referee: Eddie Ilderton

Attendance: 6,719