Tower of power

THEY used to say that the crooked spire of Chesterfield would straighten when a virgin marries in the town; perhaps, while they wait, a rare promotion for the football team might stir things a little.

Overall, justice was done in the Third Division of the Endsleigh League with the third-placed team beating the fourth in the play-off final here yesterday. But Bury can count themselves a little unfortunate after playing the better part of what little football there was on display.

The Shakers were, however, not movers enough in a match desperate for a player to treat the ball as something other than a hot potato, as they were largely submerged by Chesterfield's greater potency.

Chesterfield's first goal came against the run of play. Nicky Law's long throw from the right was touched on with a hand by Andrew Morris and fell to Tony Lormor, whose drive from 10 yards beat Gary Kelly, in whose eyeline and in an offside position lurked Phil Robinson.

Bury's response was the move of the match. Tony Rigby threaded a neat ball to David Pugh, whose cross was met at the far post by Phil Stant with a header well saved by Billy Stewart.

But just before half-time Bury were all but buried, as another Law throw bounced in the penalty area and Robinson stole in at the far post to nod home.

Morris shot wide with only Kelly to beat at the start of the second half and the Spireites were denied a third late on when the goalkeeper saved well from Kevin Davies and Morris.

But once a low Rigby shot from a free-kick 25 yards out for Bury had bounced clear from a post, it became clear that Chesterfield would not need a third to escape from the Third.

Bury: Kelly; Woodward, Lucketti, Jackson, Stanislaus; Mulligan (Hughes, 60), Rigby, Daws, Pugh; Stant, Carter (Paskin, h-t). Sub not used: Bracey (gk).

Chesterfield: Stewart; Hewitt, Law, Carr, Rogers; Hazel, Curtis, Robinson, Howard (Perkins, 76); Lormor (Davies, 85), Morris. Sub not used: Brown (gk).

Referee: P Alcock (Redhill, Surrey).