Elliott Bennett's equaliser against Port Vale was enough to keep Bury in the automatic promotion places.

Vale battle to earn home point

Elliott Bennett's equaliser was enough to keep Bury in the automatic promotion places as lowly Port Vale battled to earn a 1-1 home draw. The first half contained plenty of effort but produced next to no excitement as both sides jousted unconvincingly. There was more action after the break and a 48th minute shot from Vale's James Lawrie forced the first save of the match from Bury goalkeeper Wayne Brown. It was the 18-year-old Lawrie who opened the scoring when he showed maturity beyond his years with a splendid finish in the 57th minute. Brown sped out of his area to head away a long ball and Lawrie placed a 30-yard volley over the stranded keeper's head and into the net. Bury levelled eight minutes later when David Buchanan fired a left-wing cross towards the far post for the onrushing Bennett to steer in a firm header. The visitors then pushed for a late winner, but the Vale rearguard held firm.