Bury 1 Shrewsbury 0 - Report and pictures

A below-par Shrewsbury failed to banish the Bury hoodoo as they again came unstuck at Gigg Lane to lose for just the second time in the league this season.

Town, who missed a first-half penalty through Shaun Whalley, were unconvincing from the outset against the side that were bottom ahead of kick-off.

Paul Hurst’s leaders failed to build on Saturday’s stunning win at promotion contenders Rotherham, meaning they are now 11 games without a victory in normal time at the home of the Shakers.

Shrewsbury remain top, but the gap to Wigan was cut to one point after Greg Leigh struck 10 minutes into the second-half for the hosts, who scythed through Town’s static ranks to net the winner.

It was a new-look system for Hurst’s men saw then go 4-2-3-1 without the suspended Abu Ogogo and the visitors were lacking their usual vigour with or without the ball.

The boss opted for an attacking side in Greater Manchester. With the hosts propping up League One and 27 points separating the sides, the boss went for the jugular and replaced the Ogogo with attacker Louis Dodds.

A pre-match surprise meant the ever-present Alex Rodman remained at home, with Carlton Morris coming in as Shrewsbury’s other change.

It meant Town changed to a 4-2-3-1, with Payne on the left and Dodds behind C Morris.

Town were without a victory - other than a play-off semi-final penalty success - at Gigg Lane in 10 meetings going into the clash.

The boss drummed it is into his players to maintain their focus from Saturday’s remarkable win at Rotherham for the clash with the struggling Shakers.

The hosts, with ex-Town favourite Ryan Lowe in caretaker charge, had just one Checkatrade Trophy victory in nine matches in all competitions.

It became immediately obvious that the atmosphere in the Gigg Lane stands wasn’t a great one. Town showed their prowess from the off as they knitted a fine move together, ending with Shaun Whalley’s loose touch.

It was not one-way traffic though, as Gigg Lane grew in confidence with their side. Harry Bunn and Mihai Dobre looked lively on either flank, with skipper Mat Sadler well-placed on one occasion to clear from his six-yard line.

Rangy forward Michael Smith headed well over when found unmarked from Jay O’Shea’s delivery, handing Town a set-piece warning.

Dodds, charged with linking midfield and attack, was on the periphery and struggling to put his stamp on things on his return.

The bitty half did nothing to help Town, who were underwhelming and off-colour. Former Shaker Joe Riley was guilty as his pocket was picked by Bunn, who sent Smith scampering away into the box.

Smith did not look confident and, trying to give Henderson the eyes, was kept out by a magnificent outstretched foot.

After a poor half, one of the most forgettable of the campaign so far, Town were handed a get out of jail card.

Hurst’s men were unable to fashion anything from open play, but another long ball - this time more accurate - sent C Morris bursting into the right side of the box and he got there before keeper Leo Fasan.

The Italian brought C Morris down. Shaun Whalley, Town usually reliable option, stepped up and hammered his effort onto the post.

The ball flew at nine-goal top scorer Payne, who lashed the first-time rebound wide. A poor miss.

The rain got heavier in the break and Town came out needing major improvements in the drenched Gigg Lane surroundings.

Despite good news in the shape of the dangerous Bunn limping off, Shrewsbury failed to head the first-half warning.

While the sodden surface had not seen much of the ball with aerial balls the order of the day, Bury showed what they could do 10 minutes into the second period.

Gallivanting left-back Leigh connected to Josh Laurent’s pass before exchanges with Chris Maguire and sliding a composed finish beyond Henderson.

The hosts were not done. With confidence now sky-high, Ince was at the heart of another delightful move, sliding in Dobre who could not beat Henderson.

Hurst rolled the dice with 65 minutes on the clock, sending another ex-Bury man, Lenell John-Lewis, on for Dodds.

Sadler, at the more unrecognised position of left-back, overlapped well to help Town shoot on target for the first time on 73 minutes.

His cross was cleared for Nolan to test Fasan from 18 yards, the rebound fell to C Morris, who found the woodwork as he was flagged offside.

Toto Nsiala was next to go close as ex-Port Vale loanee Fasan again excelled. Town’s defender could not quite gather the ball, and prodded straight at Fasan from barely three yards out.

Further chances were not forthcoming as Town failed to offer up anything on a miserable night in Manchester.