Nicky Maynard's predatory strike - his ninth goal of the season - helped gutsy Bury on their way to a deserved 2-1 home victory against fellow promotion hopefuls Tranmere.

Rovers certainly played their part, but James Norwood in particular was guilty of missing a number of gilt-edged opportunities.

Bury went close early on as defender Chris Stokes nodded inches wide from Nicky Adams' corner-kick.

The hosts threatened again when Maynard forced Rovers' keeper Scott Davies into a smart diving save.

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Rovers should then have gone ahead when James Norwood somehow scooped Jake Caprice's cross over the top from eight yards.

In first-half stoppage-time, the visitors fluffed a great double chance as Norwood's initial shot was saved by Joe Murphy, with Harris firing the rebound over the top from 10 yards.

Bury broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, with Maynard expertly heading home a precise out-swinging free-kick from winger Adams.

Norwood ought to have levelled in the 64th minute, but he somehow fired over from five yards after meeting a low cross from Connor Jennings.

The hosts all-but wrapped up their deserved win in stoppage-time when sub Caolan Lavery drilled home from 20 yards.

Rovers sub Ritchie Sutton headed home even deeper into added time, but Bury hung on.

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