Bury travelled to Oldham with a depleted squad which wasn't a good start as these games tend to be physical and fouls would be a factor.

It was Oldham who came out of the block fastest hitting three from down town to establish a 5 point lead after one quarter.

Bury managed to tie it up at 24 but I. Sanderson and John Lindsey found the basket through strong moves and outside shooting. A late run ensured Oldham led by 7 at the half. Bury had balanced scoring but a lack of consistency proved to be instrumental in their score.

A couple of three's from A. Simmoneau built the lead to 11 and Bury looked tired. Alan Hall, the usual scorer for Bury was struggling. Tom Hope brought some energy to the game fiinding gaps in the defense for a score or an easy dish to a team mate to keep the game close, but Bury faced a 10 point deficit after three quarters.

Bury had managed to stay in the game and now the defence stepped up. Mike Nichols hassled the guards and the inside players Chris McCormack and Usman Baba protected the rim. With 5 minutes remaining and down by 8, Bury went on a 13 to 0 run to take a slight lead and the momentum seemed to have shifted.

The teams traded baskets and unfortunately for Oldam they lost two big men through fouls. This allowed Usman to crash the boards and attack to keep the game close.

In the final 13 seconds with Bury leading by 2, A. Dolan looked to hit a three, missed but drew the fifth foul on Alan. A chance to go up by two, he hit the first then missed the next two. Bury kept possession and Mike Nichols was fouled and hit two frees to extend the lead back to three with 2 seconds left. Oldham managed to get off a shot which missed the ring.

A physical game from the start, this game brought the best out in both teams.

Usman Baba led the scoring for Bury with 23 with Mike Nichols hitting 16.