Bury 1 Aldershot Town 2

Last updated : 28 March 2010 By Shotsweb's Steve Gibbs

Displaying levels of consistency and fighting spirit often conspicuous only by their absence, Aldershot Town battled for a third consecutive victory which takes them back into the League Two Play-Off places.

Two goals from Scott Donnelly - one a penalty completely against the run of play; the other a fine 25-yard strike - provided just enough of a cushion to withstand Bury's late siege on the Aldershot goal. The home side's barren run continued, and now stands at 821 minutes without a goal from open play after leaving with just Andy Bishop's late penalty, before which Jaimez-Ruiz was dismissed for bringing down Stephen Dawson, to show for their profligate efforts.

It should all have been rather different, though, as Bury wasted several early chances to settle their nerves, the best of which fell to Tom Elliott, who seemed certain to capitalise upon confusion between Aaron Brown and his goalkeeper only to stumble and scuff his shot wide of a gaping net.

The Shots sensed an opportunity, and steadily augmented an impressive workrate with increasing confidence. They were rewarded when Cresswell interrupted Marvin Morgan's clever run into the box with a tug on the arm, and, with his side's first shot on target, Donnelly's penalty sneaked past Wayne Brown's fingertips.

Bury re-emerged in familiar style but failed to find a finishing touch for their territorial dominance, and it was Marlon Jackson, left all alone on the six yard line by a wonky offside trap, who should have scored next, only to completely mis-judge a simple header. Soon, though, Donnelly's moment of brilliance doubled the lead, latching onto a poor defensive clearance to rifle a long-range shot into the bottom corner almost before Brown saw it coming.

Damien Spencer could have killed the game off with a flying header which was well parried by Brown, but ultimately the game came down to a frantic finale. Jaimez-Ruiz saw red for a challenge which appeared to be just outside the penalty area, and thereafter the remaining ten men laid their bodies on the line to preserve the slender lead. In doing so they typified a wonderfully resolute performance, winning hitherto unwinnable midfield battles and defending as a cohesive unit.

On such results can entire seasons change. Whilst Bury contemplate the damage done, Aldershot Town can enter the business end of the campaign with real optimism.